– a rare Borneo Borneo Endemic which prefer feeding on a small stream
update 202506
Almost every trip this year, we’ve only managed to see this Borneo endemic without getting any photos. But this time, we were lucky—two birds stayed around long enough and allowed us to get close for some decent shots.
– it getting difficult to sight this Borneo Endemic again, use to be so easy just walking in the morning should see 1-2 of them but recent trip to KNP make few challenge search before had it. We walking to search last 4 targets and thick mist without any big hope but this guy just came and not far for everyone good view. Lucky …(also happy for a small Photographer able to capture this not so easy photograph bird in such a close distance)
– another Borneo endemic easier to see but difficult to be photograph but recently getting much easier compare old time. a bird active in dusk and dawn ..
– we arrived KNP evening and it was misty … but we still trying ours best to look for some bird… first session looking for Bulbul failed… but follow by Whitehead’s Broadbill and this amazing endemic. it feed infront of us ~10-15m for quite long until some car passby
– as usual morning session, but lucky today have 1 pair still feeding with quite good available light.
– a shy Borneo montane endemic
– 婆罗洲高山特有种。不很稀有，就是有点害羞。
– 如常，我们一大早就找这鸟。好幸运，遇上一对在还有光线的时候还在。
202308, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202307
– a bird that always make us wake up early. This special bird come to us dusk, which still have quite good light. CANON R7 with 400mm F2.8 still working perfect for lowlight
– we normal look for this bird dusk/dawn with almost no light situation. A very lucky moment while we walking, got this bird came out for very close for picture (not this) but love this while it standing
– pretty common winter visitor range from lowland – montane
– male dark blue with white browed , female brown
update 2020 May 30
– female
update 202502
This is our very first bird of this long tour. There’s so much rubbish around, unfortunately. But on a funny note, it seems “he” also enjoys Starbucks coffee!
这是我们这次你啊团遇到的第一只鸟。可惜这里垃圾很多。不过有趣的是，似乎“它”也喜欢星巴克咖啡！
202502, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
Siberian Thrush, 白眉地鶇,Geokichla sibirica, マミジロ, Murai Hitam Siberia
update 2020 May 13
Siberian Thrush, 白眉地鶇,Geokichla sibirica, マミジロ, Murai Hitam Siberia
It was raining when we arrived at the national park, so we stayed near the hut and continued birding while waiting for it to stop. To our surprise, a Bornean Green-Magpie appeared during the wait. Not long after, the rain stopped—and we were rewarded with a Black-sided Flowerpecker perched perfectly for photos. As we continued on in search of more target birds, this beauty showed up again—right at eye level for everyone to enjoy and capture. A truly lucky day!
One of Borneo’s most sought-after birds had remained quiet for the second morning in a row. However, shortly after we began our walk, we had a close encounter—though not a clear view—of both this elusive bird and the Bare-headed Laughingthrush. Not long after, David called out that he had heard the Fruit-hunter about 500 meters away. Everyone rushed to the spot, and soon enough, we all enjoyed excellent views of the bird.
– after a tired morning, hiking and keep looking for fast moving shy bird… decided make a move to other place try some lifer for my buddies. After we got the Bornean Shortwing, this bird show up when heavy mist 🙁 but still a lifer for them .. happy men ….
– another long plan and excited Borneo Photography with Taiwan group and thanks for the trusted continue book for 2025 … very dramatic tour, cannot arrived to Kota Kinabalu on time due to Volcano eruption at Sulawesi North but finally arrived but 2 days late. But we still catch up most of the plan and got many good birds such as Dusky Eagle Owl day roost, 3 Whitehead’s, Fruit-hunter, Bristlehead, Helmeted Hornbill and etc ..
– we were lucky on this, we got Everett’s Thrush, Whitehead’s Broadbill, Bornean Green-Magpie and follow by this super close and low Fruit-hunter … and still like a dream everything happen within an hour.It came low and chase away many other bird and stay long.
– misty, rain morning. Dec definite not a good month birding here.
– 每天下雨，雾大。12月真的不是来这看鸟好时侯。
update 202210
– a very dramatic day, raining, heavy mist follow by lucky encounter Bornean Green-Magpie, Whitehead’s Trogon than this “rare” endemic and we had 7-8 birds in one tree for long time
– before getting busy, a very special bird got from previous tour. This is a 2nd bird of the trip and lucky to have the male bird close and female slightly higher for photo
8. Island Thrush, 岛鸫, 白頭鶇, Turdus poliocephalus, ハイガシラツグミ, MURAI-BELANDA GUNUNG TIMUR
update 202407
– a bird that never though to be sight and photograph before I make some plan to hike up to Laban Rata for missing 2 birds of Malaysia. But today while we looking for missing 3 birds .. Azmil message me he sight the Island Thrush.. without any wait we move to the place .. we try to locate but seem missing while I heard Fruit-hunter calling and trying to locate it but seem still bit a distance to see this bird… Hugo call us … Thrush … and bingo make my Malaysia lifer. (683)
– it is not really shy, it just moving around even many people walking around .. beautiful bird …
– 这是一只我完全没想过的马来西亚鸟（在我安排爬上去神山的路上）。今天但我们在神山寻找3只还没看到的鸟时。朋友Azmil 让我知道这鸟出现，没等我们立刻到了那个鸟点。找了10-20分钟是没找到，我听到食果鸫叫，找了很久还是蛮远没办法看到。在远方，Hugo向我们招手。这就拿下我的马来西亚新鸟种。（683)
– 这鸟很不怕人。
A spectacular chestnut-backed thrush with striking white facial patches, black-and-white wings, and bold pied markings below. Juvenile shows buff streaks on crown and back and buff throat. Terrestrial, feeding on the forest floor singly or in pairs within the lowlands and low hills. Unmistakable within its limited range on islands of Sulawesi and Kabaena. Mournful song is a phrase of several high-pitched whistled notes, “deee-der-doo” or “deee-der.” Calls include “chak” notes and a high-pitched “peep” call. [Ebird]
update 202511
Compared to all my past visits, this bird has been surprisingly easy to photograph during the last two trips to Tangkoko—both within just two weeks! Still took some effort to get a clean shot, but it was definitely worth it. Such a lovely and stunning Sulawesi endemic!
Brown thrush with bold dark spots on the underparts, white spots in the wings, and black facial stripes below the eye. Occurs in pairs or singly, on or near the ground, in forest, forest edge, and gardens, mostly in the Wet Zone, but also locally in the Dry Zone. No other thrush on Sri Lanka shows distinct rows of white spots on the wings, and bold spotting below. Gives very high-pitched “sweeeee” call; song is a highly variable collection of rich, rising and falling, melodious whistles and warbles. [ebird]
update 202312
– another very common endemic, which found most of the lowland urban areas, forest edge, forest
1. Mountain Peacock-Pheasant, 山孔雀雉, アカコクジャク, KUANG-CERMIN GUNUNG
– endemic to Peninsular Malaysia or some believe Southern Thailand-Peninsular Malaysia
update 202510
This bird holds so many memories — I still remember those early days with Lee, sitting quietly in the hide, waiting patiently just to catch a glimpse. Our first photo and video of it felt like a real achievement. Now, it’s become so easy to see that many no longer appreciate how beautiful and special it truly is.
My final Malaysia birding tour of the year ended here. As expected, the bird showed up early with the partridges, and to our surprise, even displayed a bit — though the female showed no interest. That moment somehow felt like a reflection of myself… perhaps it’s time to seek more “green food” in life again.
– one of the bird I see and photograph most. Years back, we have so many tours just for the Malaysia endemic (Malaya) .. it come to feeding spot over the years and seldom miss
– another quick target, these 2 female show up not long we arrived and allow us to have other birding on last moment. Later come a male trying to impress these 2 female with some action but not scuess
– special targets tour, this is one of most easier target overall but it still make us wait for more than 2 hours until it came and displaying while female get close – 这算是目标鸟最容易之一。可是也没很乖，也等了2+小时才出来。可是这次带着母的还表演了一次。“孔雀开屏“。。慢动作哦
update 202302
– not sure what’s happen, this special bird become very shy and worry. After 5th trips there finally 2 male seem quite brave to come out to give us good time.
2. Great Argus, 大眼斑雉, 大眼斑雉, Argusianus argus, セイラン, KUANG-RAYA BIASA
– big, shy bird
update 202409
– another revisit of the dancing ground, the bird still there calling the mate .. sad no one see interest on him … this time with the CANON RF200-800mm. Trying to walk slight close to have closer shot .. can see some ticks on the face .. and remember my buddy say it is ugly bird ! what a beauty
– we have ours main targets ticked, so we look for any other target … we walk real slow in the morning until the first spot and the bird not there .. continue walking and reach 2nd location … we just walk into the trail for nothing to hope but when we got close it calling loud and when we reach the bird seem shy .. than we decided to walk further … and wait .. not that long they bird sudden appear and displaying for us !!!! wow wow
– a post make us think, why me and my best buddy (i think he think the same now) always got something unexpected. It is boring to know the result while you going for … buddy hope everything is fine for you … I really miss ours time, you make me strong, you make me ignore gossip …
– one of the best moment 2024, it is a relax birding day after we had all 3 main targets of the Families DONE. When we arrive the dancing ground, the bird seem shy and walk to a side .. and we decided to move further to monitor the bird and get some pictures. Nothing to expect, all of sudden it start displaying (dancing) … Immediate got the “one of the best moment of 2024” .. (still like a dream
– a big bird .. real big and shy if not found the “dancing ground” which always heard but not seen. But Danum Valley still one of best place to see it and photograph it .. one of few good view of this bird
– someone say this bird is ugly 🙁 … I really like this bird big and near (for 2023) it is so much easier in Danum Valley … lovely male and still looking for his lady
– a very lucky to have dancing ground, we monitor this bird clearing the dancing ground, calling with distance follow by slight close but the bird just ignore us. this bird will be at same spot for calling his mate. But we even heard it ~7-8pm after dark 🙁 .. hope it found it’s mate soon.
– travel in group , big size and not very shy to human
Update 202504
It was a lucky evening—just as we were about to call it a day, a group of firebacks appeared right in front of us, walking by and flipping their wings. Such a stunning bird!
– last morning at Danum, walk little slower as waiting more light to go into trail for more species but this bird just come out from bush and walk infront of us and Spread your wings
– As customer want different experience than birding . We had very late evening jungle trail walk . This bird just slow walk on the trail while we were there .. but it is too dark and this was captured with ISO16000
– still a big and beautiful bird to be seen and photograph
5. Malayan Peacock-Pheasant, 凤冠孔雀雉, 鳳冠孔雀雉,Polyplectron malacense, マレーエボシコクジャク,KUANG-CERMIN MELAYU
– very shy pheasant
update 202602
Last year, right after we spotted the Great Argus, everyone else was busy looking for other rare sightings. That’s when I noticed a smaller bird quietly approaching the feeding spot. It didn’t take long for this little visitor to start showing up regularly, eventually becoming the star attraction of Sg Relau National Park in Merapoh.
– a very beautiful and shy Borneo Endemic, without the feeding spot.. my previous view of this bird at Kalimantan just a dark shadow moving around. Now, we finally can have very good view of this lovely bird
– another wonderful wait for this “hide” for this special Borneo Endemic. with right lighting such a beauty
– 又一次到这鸟点，没等很久。这鸟尽然，走猫步。梳毛。让每个人都笑哈哈
update 202305
– a pre-tout visit a feeding spot for this Borneo rare endemic. It is a real beautiful gem of Borneo forest. Look at the back, it is open like a coral such a beautiful . (sorry for bad quality with crop as only 500mm use which require heavy crop)
– another visit to the famous BPP site, many of friends waiting long or missed this bird. make us worry and decided to have 2 days try. today after breakfast heading to the “hide” and got in ~8am. surprise we only wait 2.5 hour which is a joke with friend day before we make appointment with the bird at 1030am !!! and it appear 10:32am. stand there and feed for quite long.
– and today a bit weird behavior which keep making calls
– finally completed another Borneo special task. But not really a good trip as almost everyday raining. Bird activity as expected still low. But this main target show well without long wait and come close.
– what a nature beauty. For me bird is far beautiful than human.
– even not a lifer for me, but see it near and stay is a totally different feeling. This bird is so beautiful when lighting hit at the right position of the body.
– a lovely and beautiful pheasant with beautiful white tail.
– 非常漂亮与害羞的鹇，走动时白色尾巴摇摆。非常漂亮
update 202405
– some good efforts from some good Birders (Photographer – KK Lee) over the years finally managed to create a good “spot” for this bird and some other good bird for Photography… I do not have many trip there but only for extension for some special tour .. but still quite enjoy the birds and environment there.
– a male with “white tail” , blue face, red leg which come for feeding food but it still shy with big movement and sound.
– 经过好几年的经营 KK Lee 把这个鸟点搞得有声有色。这个鸟点可是摄鸟的天堂，虽然我没到很多（几乎都带观鸟团）可是有些“加长版”还是有来这鸟。
– 公鸟，长白尾，蓝脸，红脚。几乎很少错过来这吃吃东西。可是还是害羞。
202404, Trusmadi, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202310
– I didnt update any pictures for 2023, even I went to 2 feeding station for multiple times. This bird is amazing and I recommended look at yourself … the color and whole bird is un-real.
– an adult female walk together with a juvi bird lovely 2 birds
– 幸运的拍到雌成鸟带着亚成鸟
202207, Sabah, Malaysia
– a very rare Borneo endemic and it is recently found outside from Borneo-Indonesia (Balikpapan) after such a long missing period it is recently confirm found 2016
– please to have chance to photograph this rare and beautiful bird
as other Peacock-Pheasant, it is shy and look at the body feather pattern, this Peacock-Pheasant simply beautiful
update 202312
– as other Peacock-Pheasant, it is shy and not easy to have a good view in the wild. This pair of Sumatra endemic, will show up at one of the feeding station but this male will chase any bird that come close make us only saw the main target Schneider’s Pitta (2 times before light, 1 time night)
53. Salvadori’s Pheasant, 黑尾鹇, 黑尾鷴, Lophura inornata, クロウチワキジ, Sempidan Sumatera
Chunky pheasant endemic to Sumatra’s highlands and foothills. Male is dark iridescent blue, while the female is warm brown with a dark tail. Both sexes have short tails, bright red patches of bare facial skin, and pale bills with a faint hook. Forages quietly on the forest floor, typically singly, sometimes in pairs. Generally fairly quiet; deep “bwoop” contact calls sometimes given, and males give a wing-whirring display that can be audible at close range. [Ebird]
– One of the most striking pheasants, we missed the chance to photograph it last year. This year, however, the female appeared at a feeding spot around noon and lingered for a long time, showing no signs of leaving.
101. Sri Lanka Junglefowl, 蓝喉原鸡, 藍喉原雞, Gallus lafayettii， セイロンヤケイ
Wild chickenlike bird. Male is burnt orange with dark streaks, cockerel-like glossy black tail, and a prominent red comb marked with yellow on the crown. Gray-brown female has white streaks and prominent barring on its wings. Terrestrial, found in pairs or small groups in forests of lowlands and highlands over much of Sri Lanka. Generally keeps to cover. Only confusion is with domestic chicken; note lack of white at tail base, and yellow marking on comb of males, and bars in wings of females in Sri Lanka Junglefowl. Song a harsh “chyok-cher-chow”. Also stuttering “kik-kik-kik-kik” notes. [Ebird]
– very beautiful and noisy bird and common almost any where too
– 非常漂亮，吵，蛮普通的鸡
update 202312
– a pretty common endemic bird, we didn’t really spend time looking for it just take picture whenever we meet it
Secretive, handsome endemic pheasant of Taiwan’s mountains. Male slaty blue from nape to flanks, with contrasting white upper back, brown mantle, and dark gray wings; female mostly rich brown with pale markings above. Both sexes have red facial skin, more extensive in male. Forages quietly in pairs in the forest understory, occasionally along forest edge on trails or roads. Both sexes give subtle clucking calls and a high-pitched squeaky alarm call. Male has white in tail and back, unlike Mikado Pheasant; female distinguished by richer plumage tones, broader tail, pale bill, reddish legs, and unmarked underparts. [Ebird]
– finish my Taiwan trip last 10days ago and now finish Sumatra, 2023 going to end… a busy year and another busy year coming… what’s everyone plan ?
– I had the same Pheasant 16years +- ago but I remember it was either 30/40d 100400 and misty, dark … so I don’t even remember I had keep the photo or not. But finally this time I got opportunity to see it for longer time, better weather … hope see it again future
– a casual trip to Taiwan, spend some of the time for birding and while going down from DaxueShan (大雪山）, stop by ~17 years ago spot and update by local birder the bird can be found there but not very promising due to no feeding allow policy apply. But I am just walk up and down birding at the famous 23.5k got some birds and meet up Kuan-Chieh Hung (Taiwan Bird guide) with guests. After some chit chat session, one of the guesst say .. come come come .. which not really at casual location. 1 male and 3 female relaxing for more than 5 minutes
– female see very beautiful with so much body pattern
The barred eagle-owl (Bubo sumatranus), also called the Malay eagle-owl, is a species of eagle owl in the family Strigidae. It is a member of the large genus Bubo which is distributed on most of the world’s continents. This relatively little-known species is found from the southern Malay Peninsula down a string of several of the larger southeast Asian islands to as far as Borneo.
update 202310
– if everyone have a bird to attract you to Birding ? for me this is one of them, many years ago a garden nearby house… this bird build their nest same location for almost every years.. I spend many many time to look at them .. monitor especially with my love one (family, best buddies …)
– happy to see the chick still always looking for it’s parent before roosting
– a new game change, found this with Thermal camera, have this months ago but just too busy to explore but finally with a very close friends group and use it for few occasion and found colugo and this pair owl from total dark
– 新的热感照相机, 真的很容易找到晚上的物种。在这次婆罗洲行，试了一下。找到猫猴与这对鸮。
202309, Trusmadi, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202112
– this bird use to urban jogging area Penang, we were lucky to have it low this trip
– 这只鸟已在这公园生活很久，非常幸运的2年后。旧地重游，还站这么低。
202112, Penang, Malaysia
update 202101
- it is weird to see the bird calling in the morning ~11am
update 2016 Jul 21
2. Buffy Fish Owl, 马来渔鸮,馬來漁鴞, Ketupa ketupu, マレーウオミミズク, TUMBUK-KETAMPI BIASA
– medium size bird
– Large orange-brown owl with prominent “horns” and bright yellow eyes (ebird)
– common found near ponds, stream, and river
update 202405
– this is my 2nd time saw this owl catch a fish in the day time, just in-front of us. The bird with one eye injured but how it can catch prey in day time instead ?
– 这是我第二次见到这猫头鹰在光天化日下捉鱼。虽然他的一只眼受伤了，可是他还是活了很多年。
202404, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 2024003
– another good night outing, we had >8 Buffy Fish Owl in 1.5 hours. Very common owl that normally live near river, lake ..
– 一个1.5小时的夜观，见到不少于8只马来鱼鸮。这鸟蛮普通的，在河边，湖边都不难见到。
202403, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202303
– few days of raining, from center to North. rain seem continuous for last 3 days. We did night owl searching at night under rain too. Look at the Buffy, the face seem not happy with the rain
– after long lock-down, we just can’t go out for outdoor activities. hope the pandemic will end very soon.
– 马来西亚已封城几个月。终于，开放低程度的户外活动。这鸟，尽然出现在我家附近的一个小森林。
202109, Kuala Lumpur
update 202101
– a tiring day where I spend my nights for owling and morning for some warbles
– lucky to spotted 5 species of Owl with pictures and 1 heard only
– this is one of the most seen owls in the night where I spotted a minimum 4 different individual
202101, Selangor, Malaysia
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update 2017 April 10 finally got another 2 stand together in the morning 😀
update 2016 Jul 22
3. Collared Owlet, 领鸺鹠, 領鵂鶹, Glaucidium brodiei, ヒメフクロウ, PUNGGUK-KECIL GELANG
– smallest Owl in Asia ~15cm, 60g +-
– normally found submontane, montane area but also found lowland before
– always making a loud call
update 202602
We were just out for a casual walk when we heard a strange alert sound coming from the birds. It turned out to be some birds trying mobbing to this tiny owl! It perched quite low and stayed remarkably close while we were heading to lunch. Even though we weren’t specifically looking for owls today, who could possibly resist such a cute little thing?
We spent around 30 minutes listening to the Red-throated Barbet calling, but couldn’t get a clear view. Luckily, a few other species came in close, including this tiny and adorable owl!
Sometimes, there’s too much info on social media—but here’s my experience: I used the Canon R5 Mark II with full-area AF and animal eye detection. The owl was about 30 meters away, and paired with the RF 100-500mm, it locked onto the eye perfectly without hesitation. Highly recommend trying it out yourself!
有时候，社交媒体上的信息太多了，反而容易迷茫。但这里是我实际的经验：我使用的是 Canon R5 Mark II，相机设置为全区域自动对焦+动物眼睛识别。这只猫头鹰大约在30米远的地方，用 RF100-500mm 拍摄，相机毫无犹豫就锁定了眼睛对焦。推荐大家亲自试试！
202510, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
update 202506
We were lucky to witness this owl perched low and calling right in front of us. It looked like it was putting its whole body into each call—an incredible sight!
– After returning from Sumatra, Indonesia, some of us extended our trip by two days to Fraser’s Hill, Malaysia. As anticipated, the rainy season brought limited activity. However, this tiny owl made our day by perching very low, just about 10 feet away—our first sighting of it!
– a very special Photography tour, which parent come with a kid (12 years old) for birds Photography. I told them the behavior of this bird and we were lucky patient wait to have it came really low and close.
– last bird of Fraser Hill for current Photography tour, customers happy with ~20m away … I am happy too .. what a cute bird
– 福隆港摄鸟团最后一只鸟，客人对20米外的它已满足。当然我也高兴。好可爱啊
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
####
update 202302
– a quite morning, and suddenly heard this cute owl calling near lucky to have few minutes before it continue it’s chase.
– 非常安静的一个早上。突然这鸟叫的很大声，很快的找到他后。拍了1-2分钟就飞高了。
202301, Fraser Hill, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202210
– a very boring day, but luckily this bird gave us good look before raining
– 非常安静的一天。幸好有这鸟出现让我们在下雨前拍到好好的。
202210, Pahang, Malaysia
update 202209
– another bird that never get bore, guests say they either want to see an owlet or snake for the tour.. lucky to see this low and long
– 另一只百看不厌的小可爱。客人讲他们一就看到最少一只鸺鹠或一条蛇。还好，不然又要去找蛇了。
202209, Fraser HIll, Pahang, Malaysia
#
– a bird that we always love to see or photograph. But the size and behavior （always at canopy) always make us just skip this bird each time we heard it
– 一只每个鸟人都喜欢的鸟。可是他的习惯，通常我们都当没听到。（都站高高）
202208, Fraser Hill, Malaysia
update 202206
– a very casual walk around with few friends, this bird seem to active and gave us good view.
update 2018 Aug 20 – Borneo Collared Owlet got this from KNP
4. Oriental Scops-Owl,东方角鸮,東方角鴞, Otus sunia,コノハズク,JAMPUK KECIL ASIA
– very small owl, winter visitor
– Smallish scops-owl with bright yellow eyes (ebird)
#################
– we were very lucky to see 2 pairs which is very close in the morning for a day trip near the mangrove – 非常幸运的在一日游，看到两对。。。
update 2015 Jan 12
oriental scops owl,东方角鸮, Otus sunia
update 2014 Aug 21
oriental scops owl,东方角鸮 [Otus sunia]
5. Reddish Scops-Owl, 棕角鸮, 棕角鴞,Otus rufescens, アカチャコノハズク, JAMPUK MERAH
– very small owl, rufous in color with prominent ear-tufts
– a small and common seen at secondary/primary forest always make constant call.
update 202402
– this bird do not make any vocal when we were at Taman Negara, but come to here it call non stop and after boring for 1 hour. This bird just sudden appear .. cute and persistent call owl in the forest
– a weird single individual, sometime very shy, sometime very tame … any how happy to see it again
– 非常有性格的一只鸟（应该是同一只，附近没这鸟叫了）。有时很乖，有时害羞到累。可是见到已很好。
202309, Sabah, Malaysia
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update 202306
– this little owl not that common but also not difficult to seen but my camera no luck on this owl for long. saw it many times just <10m away but without camera. Finally this time with camera and it is really near.
– 这只小可爱，总与我的相机无缘。很多次它站低时，相机总是不在我身边。这次终于很近的看到他。
202306, Kinabatangan River, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
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6. White-fronted Scops-Owl,白额角鸮,白額角鴞,Otus sagittatus, ハナジロコノハズク, JAMPUK KENING PUTIH
– rare bird for Malaysia. not that many locations for this bird
– make high speed repeat vibration call (refer video below)
– Large for a scops-owl. This predominantly light brown species is most readily identified by its bright silvery-gray brow. Like other scops-owls, can be difficult to see; listen for its call, a series of low, rapid, trembling hoots that cut off quickly. Predominantly found in lowland forest, though also ventures into lower foothills. (ebird)
update 2020 Jul 9
White-fronted Scops-Owl,白额角鸮, 白額角鴞, Otus sagittatus, ハナジロコノハズク, Burung Hantu Kening Putih
update 2020 April 25
White-fronted Scops-Owl , 白額角鴞, Otus sagittatus, ハナジロコノハズク, Burung Hantu Kening Putih
update 2018 Oct 8
saw this owl 2 different location in 2 day, suppose to look for frogmouth but saw these birds twice but missed the Blyth’s frogmouth for 2 nights 🙁
update 2017 Jul 30 – rare owl for Malaysia .. was lucky to spot it months back.. too bad was too busy to tried for a picture .. finally got a record shot. The same week, got a very good photo of the owl at another location … very lucky saw it keep calling
Very lucky to witness how it call and shake the body .. it is a 4k record
– A very large, grayish-brown owl with yellow eyes and distinctive ears. Note the fine barring and dark streaks on the pale underparts, and white patches on the shoulders.
Update 202504
It was a dramatic day — we missed our target in the morning and were caught in heavy rain by noon. Fortunately, the evening brought reasonably good birding. The next morning, however, turned out to be truly special. We had a great encounter with this bird as it flew back to its roosting site, and we managed to capture the moment perfectly without any issues.
It was another fantastic experience to see this bird again—even if just once—as it flew straight toward us. Not a particularly tough challenge for me with the R1: 98 frames in about 3 seconds, all perfectly in focus
– a not so common owl found Malaysia. Big size and with very vocal if found the correct one.
– I am making some nearby forest for trying the new CANON R1 to trying for AF lock on, AF tracking, Image Quality, Pre-capture … and trying again the in camera upscale. Found this bird roost at one of the Palm Oil plantation before strong sunlight come in, the bird sudden flying out to its’ roosting side.the R1 as expected captured most of the frame without any issue even with background change.
– a wonderful dawn light with lovely bird looking at us. It is time to go back to sleep.
– 早上漂亮的光线。它看着我们，应该是讲晚安。下次再见
202303, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202302
– a bird that make me excited everytime I see it. and especially in the day time with flying toward me .. with CANON R to capture this kind of photo is so easy
– 每次见这鸟都兴奋无比。尤其见他飞向我。佳能R 这种对焦+追焦。多么容易
202010, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202209
– in one month, 2 sites 6 birds found. Lucky guests, 4 birds calling and 2 are so near to use. They might fighting for territory.
– a good practice of my guests, we leave them alone after short time of photograph session. They say “don’t disturb them too long” ! and they are photographers .
– 一个月内2个地方见到4只（遇到6只，2只听到看到很远）。这4只一直在叫，可能在争区域。
– 2位摄影客人，只是拍了几分钟就要离开了。他们讲不要打扰太久。
202209, Selangor, Malaysia
#
– what a day end with fantastic bird, heard the bird call once. Think guest doubt about my hearing (i think). But I am pretty sure the bird make call few times and roughly know the direction. After 1++ hour spent, we had good view of this bird.
Dusky eagle-owl, 乌雕鸮,烏雕鴞, Bubo coromandus, ウスグロワシミミズク, Burung Hantu Bertanduk, BURUNG-HANTU BERTANDUK KELABU ASIA
update 2020 Aug
Dusky eagle-owl, 乌雕鸮,烏雕鴞, Bubo coromandus, , ウスグロワシミミズク, Burung Hantu Bertanduk, BURUNG-HANTU BERTANDUK KELABU ASIA
update 2020 Jul8
Dusky eagle-owl, 乌雕鸮,烏雕鴞, Bubo coromandus, , ウスグロワシミミズク, Burung Hantu Bertanduk
update 2020 May 21
2020 March 19
– still same place, same tree
2018 Aug 20
– one of the most beautiful owl so far I saw
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8. Brown Wood-Owl, 褐林鸮, 褐林鴞, Strix leptogrammica, オオフクロウ, CARIK-KAFAN COKLAT BIASA
– very common Peninsular Malaysia, ranging from lowland to highland
– this bird making a different common call and stay long
– a quite common owl across Malaysia, mostly on montane but also found lowland forest
– 叫不一樣的叫聲。蠻普通的鴞。
– Borneo one look different and having different call (refer to picture below)
update 202403
– this is one of the common Fraser bird, getting difficult .. due to some reason ? or behavior change ? 6-8 years ago, it is so easy to get a good view of this bird… but now most of them shy and standing high up .. for reason ? – I am lucky 2024, 2 trips got this bird with good view for more than 10 minutes – 在6-8年前，福隆港是很普通的鸟。可是为什么这几年连看都难看到？什么理由？ – 2024 非常幸运，已2团都看的不错。
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
update 202101
– a good moment to see this owl making some call
– shooting this with car body as support
幸運的見到這鴞在叫。 這攝頻沒用腳架，只是靠在車拍的。
#
#
update 2018 Aug 20
*** Borneo one seem to have different call and look
Brown Wood-Owl, 褐林鴞,Strix leptogrammica, オオフクロウ, leptogrammica Group
– for me to choose one of the most common wide spread but difficult bird to be seen in Malaysia… this is one of them .. and finally got one really close and stay but never want look at ours; angle….
Mountain Scops-Owl, 黄嘴角鸮,黃嘴角鴞, Otus spilocephalus, タイワンコノハズク, Burung Hantu Gunung
update 2018 Aug 20
– one of the most often hear but not seen bird
10. Sunda Scops-Owl, 巽他领角鸮, 巽他領角鴞,Otus lempiji, スンダオオコノハズク, JAMPUK BIASA
– common wide spread
– garden, forest palm oil plantation ..
– Both Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo having different call
update 202502
It was truly an owl-filled day—we spotted six owl species in just one day! This last one had been particularly elusive; we had tried to get a good view of it a few days ago without much success. But today, it seemed to stay in place for a long time, giving everyone a perfect view.
– last bird ? no .. the Blyth’s Frogmouth decided to give us good view after this owl appear .. close and cute always
– 西马行最后一只鸟？不。。。这鸟出来后，星喉蟆口鸱也出来让我们看看他的可爱。
202402, Pahang, Malaysia
####
update 202310
– a quick Owl session with buddies, but only heard the main target calling but manage to have 2 nightjar, 4 owl ?this guy seem very tame on today
– 朋友们突然要去找鸮，来个几个小时。主要目标听到看不到。可是还是2只夜鹰，4只猫
202310, Selangor, Malaysia
update 2018 Aug 20
another common garden to forest owl
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11. Brown Boobook, 鹰鸮, 鷹鴞, Ninox scutulata, アオバズク,PUNGGUK BETEMAK BIASA
– small and common
– brown and big yellow eye
– Brown hawk-like owl with large, unsettling yellow eyes. Note solid brown back, patchily brown-spotted white breast, and the pale triangle above the bill. Adaptable, found in a wide range of forested habitats from primary rainforest to orchards and gardens. Most active at night and dusk; often hunts from an exposed perch. Gives a series of rising hoots: “woo-wuh! woo-wuh! woo-wuh!” (ebird)
###
update 202206
– another casual morning with buddies, lovely owl to greet us.
– 与朋友的一个愉快的早上。一位朋友没来，只有tag他了。
202206, Selangor, Malaysia
#
– another poor bird, not sure nesting or why active near falconet nest but the falconet very aggressive chasing this owl and make it flying around.
– 可怜的鸟，不知道为何在这非常活跃。可是这里黑腿小隼在筑巢（喂食），一直会去追它。
202206, Ulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202205
– a very casual birding day with my buddy in Sandakan, a bird that give us a good time even common for both of us.. let’s birding …and Salt fish time
– 与我的好鸟友轻松的摄鸟日。虽然不是什么特别的鸟，可是我们也拍的高高心心。然后去吃咸鱼。
202205, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
202203
– found this lovely owl making call and manage to found it
– 这鸟叫不停，不难找道它
update 202103
– cloudy day make the forest more humid and the owl went for a bath before sleeping in the dawn
– 可能天氣悶，這貓頭鷹。盡然睡前去洗個澡。
#
update 202102
– lucky to have this while we looking for our target bird close
202102, Selangor, Malaysia
#
update 2018 Aug 20
12. Northern Boobook, 北鹰鸮,北鷹鴞,Ninox japonica, アオバズク, PUNGGUK BETEMAK UTARA
rare winter migrant, very brown boobook alike
update 202101
- a rare (or overlook of similar look Brown Boobook) winter visitor
- found this bird stand near the light and keep catching moth and insects
#########
13. Spotted Wood-Owl, 点斑林鸮, 點斑林鴞, Strix seloputo, マレーモリフクロウ,CARIK-KAFAN BERBINTIK ASIA
update 202209
– a special evening with new camera AF, overall quite dark but the AF still working good
– 非常漂亮夕阳，新的相机对焦。虽然有点暗了，对焦还是行的。
202209, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202204
– this bird seem active after dawn making noise attract my attention
– 奇怪的猫头鹰，日出后还叫不停。
202204, Tg Karang, Selangor, Malaysia
update202105
– another lockdown, so missed the chance to revisit u again. stay safe – another special outing to test the new Fujifilm XF70-300
15. Sunda Owlet, 巽他鸺鹠, 巽他鵂鶹, Taenioptynx sylvaticum, ヒメフクロウ, PUNGGUK-KECIL GELANG SELATAN
– a recent split (202110) from Collared Owlet and this only found Borneo Island
– 近期分出来的鸟种，这只只发布在婆罗洲鱼苏门答腊
update 202505
Day 1 at KNP started strong—we got both Whitehead’s Trogon and Whitehead’s Spiderhunter. Later, we had another great moment with the Bornean Stubtail. I heard this Owlet call, and shortly after, we spotted it perched in the open, looking right at us.
– a small owl making constant call which sometime can be very miss-leading direction. another bird that recently split from Collared Owlet
– in the right season, it can be any where but when it is not active .. no sound at all and can be stay at same place just non move.
– 非常小的鸮，通常一直叫不停。它的叫声，有时非常非常难找到它的方向。
– 在不对的季节，他可以完全不叫。
202406, KNP, Sabah
#####
update 202407
– a long waiting day, today patient pay off with different prize. Missed the Bulwer’s Pheasant male…. after long wait … before we call it a day, heard this owl far away .. just try ours’ luck after long wait before we decided to walk back to ours’ car I saw this bird flying toward car park. Not long after walk toward car park, after got the Bornean Leaf bird and got this bird stay there for long for us.
– a lucky trip to KNP, saw this bird yesterday with some reasonable photo. Today saw it mating and than stay low and quite long for us (even it is misty)
– another tiny bird from far … but still amaze who can find this owl (me !!! haha I also wonder how I found it). no choice to be part of environment shot
– both indranee Group & leptogrammica Group both show have different look and call .. Borneo one seem smaller too
update 202510
It’s always a pleasure to see this owl resting quietly in the open. This individual seemed to be keeping its distance from a nearby Buffy Fish Owl. Hopefully, there won’t be any territorial dispute between them.
– it is a lucky night, after got the Barred Eagle Owl… this bird just stand there for us .. another good picture to show the different between indranee Group (Peninsular Malaysia) & leptogrammica Group (Borneo)
17. Collared Scops Owl, 领角鸮, 领角鸮, Otus lettia, JAMPUK BIASA
update 202502
It was truly an owl-filled day—we spotted six owl species in just one day! This last one had been particularly elusive; we had tried to get a good view of it a few days ago without much success. But today, it seemed to stay in place for a long time, giving everyone a perfect view.
– a Sulawesi endemic – small size owl just like other Boobook
– 蘇拉威西特有種 – 與其他鷹鴞一樣，都蠻小的。
update 202511
This species has always been a favorite and rarely disappoints when it comes to good views. This time, four individuals came close, and two were even feeding together—such a cute moment! Big thanks to the guests for trusting the wait.
update202310 – as usual, even special target tour. we still spend some time for my lovely owls. Arrive here, not very long. There are 4birds calling and 2 of them perch near for us to take pictures. – 如常，目标鸟团。我们一样晚上找找我喜爱的猫头鹰。到达折后，没等很久。4只鸟在叫，2只还让我们拍好好。
202310, Tomohon, Sulawesi, Indonesia
update 202304
– 2023 April Sulawesi-Halmahera Bird watch trip end. Today finally got to sleep until 6am and wake up for proper breakfast. Tomorrow another new challenge.
– a special boobook, with special call.
– this bird is first ever bird we saw so tame, it stand there for such a long time for us to have good view.
– overall rufous front, brown back. Yelloweye, white-browed
– 蘇拉威西特有種的貓頭鷹。
– 棕色，前部淺棕色。
update 202511
We spent over 20 days in Sulawesi last month, and overall did quite well with owls. Among them was this small Sulawesi endemic owl—once considered common, but now increasingly harder to photograph.
Thankfully, we had a few great views and good opportunities to capture this shy species. A real treat for the tour!
– it is a season where most of them not roosting at common area. We stay until dusk (~5pm) and managed to have good view of a pair of them .. just wake up with stretch wing
– 在这季节，在他们平时睡觉的点都没见到这鸟。只好留到下午5点左右。终于骗到他出来，伸伸身体。
202304, Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
####
update 202102
#
53. Minahassa Masked-Owl,米纳仓鸮, 米納倉鴞, Tyto inexspectata, ミナハサメンフクロウ, Serak Minahasa
– a rare Sulawesi endemic, light brown, heart shape face
A small owl with ear tufts, a black facial border, yellow eyes, prominent black streaking on pale underside, and intricately patterned upperparts with conspicuous white wing markings. Occurs in gray and rufous forms. Adult’s crown is streaked; juvenile’s is barred. Inhabits forest and plantations within lowlands and foothills.[Ebird]
– pretty common across the center of Halmahera, almost can heard it’s call.
– cute and not that shy owl.
– 很特别的叫声，外表也不一样。蛮好看。
– 在哈马黑拉岛的特有种。几乎很普通，那都可以听到叫声。
– 可爱，也不很害羞的鸮。
update 202304
– first night, after heavy rain and long travel. we decided not look for the owl and owlet-nightjar. Next night, we didn’t spend much time to ticked this bird and Moluccan Owlet-nightjar at the same spot.
55. Halmahera Boobook, 哈岛鹰鸮, 哈馬赫拉鷹鴞, ハルマヘラアオバズク, Pungguk maluku
– a small owl, found near forest here which call really funny like frog
– lovely and not so boring boobook.
update 202511
Years ago, we had to travel far to see this species, but now it’s being found much closer to regular birding areas. Still, it’s always a joy to see and hear it again — a wonderful Halmahera endemic owl.
– it is fun to trying to find this owl without knowing where it should be. We just trying ours’ luck and yes.. it is calling dusk and managed to have good view of it not too late of the night.
56. Sulawesi Scops-Owl, 苏拉威西角鸮, 蘇拉威西角鴞, Otus manadensis manadensis, セレベスコノハズク, Celepuk Sulawesi
– common Sulawesi endemic
– 蠻普通的蘇拉威西特有種
update 202511
Incredible to see that this bird still remembers me since my last visit in June—it’s just as tame and approachable as before. It perched around 6 meters above ground and stayed for 10–15 minutes, giving us a lovely session.
– it is almost not possible to miss this bird either day time or night time. me and my buddy+guests like owl and and woodpecker for start .. and this is very first owl we got and before we meet our “torch holder” (guide found us in the dark in the forest)
a owl we always heard and wanted to see in Borneo, even it can be different sub-species or species (in future) but It is much easier here .. a small owl like other small and active in dark
– even it is high chance to find it’s roosting bird, but we always like to find the bird in night. Ours’ first morning, have a good try and the bird didn’t make any sound… I am amaze how I found it (haha, by the thermal camera.. found it once very near and 2nd time quite a distance)
– as other Boobook, the bird small and making a lot of noise
– looking for owl always my birding trip target, we spent first night with see it flying and calling non stop at casual spot. But 2nd night managed to have it just road side.want to revisit … hope can plan .. anyone ?
A small brown owl with feathered ear tufts and yellow eyes, restricted to Lombok. Mostly brown with scattered white and pale markings on wings, sparsely streaked underparts, and a clear “double” facial disk with both blackish and white borders. Found in various forests and plantations in the lowlands and foothills. Distinctive: the only small owl on Lombok, and the only owl there with ear tufts. Gives a single note song, “woot,” ascending slightly at the end [Ebird]
This is one of our main targets for visiting Lombok Island. It didn’t take long to spot the bird, but we had to wait patiently for a better photo opportunity.
Although it’s a common owl on Lombok, getting a clean shot still required some effort—but it was worth it!
这是我们前往龙目岛的主要目标鸟种之一。虽然很快就观测到它，但我们花了不少时间等待更好的拍摄机会。
尽管这只猫头鹰在龙目岛相对常见，但想要拍到干净漂亮的照片依然不容易——不过一切都是值得的！
202512, Lombok island, Indonesia
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update 202412
This special, quick, and relaxed trip to Lombok, Indonesia, focused on our second main target. We spotted a few birds, but only one came reasonably close and perched low. It resembled other scops-owls, offering another great sighting enhanced by modern technology.
This has to be one of the cutest scops-owls I’ve ever encountered—endemic to the Banggai Islands. Its curious nature, constantly tilting its head while watching us, made the encounter even more delightful. Always a joy to see this charming little owl again!
Another endemic owl from Lore Lindu on our current Indonesia birding trip. This tiny species prefers to perch high and call frequently—thankfully, not too challenging to locate with a bit of patience.
202511, Lore Lindu National Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia
62. Sulawesi Masked-Owl, 苏拉仓鸮, 蘇拉威西蒼鴞, Tyto rosenbergii, Serak Sulawesi, セレベスメンフクロウ
update 202511
Not a lifer, but definitely a pleasant surprise! We were searching for another target when this lovely owl showed up. It stayed around for a while, giving us a great chance to enjoy and photograph it—always a joy to see.
One of the easiest and most rewarding night birding moments! This lovely endemic owl started calling right at dusk near the roadside. We didn’t have to wait long — just a short walk into the bushes, and there it was, perched and showing well for everyone. A truly special night encounter!
– small owlet like other owlet always like to be calling long at canopy and make other birds attention. But this endemic’s back of the owl simply awesome
– 与其他鸺鹠一样小小只。喜欢站高高，叫不停。可是这一只特有种背部很特别美。
update 20231211
– the bird just sit there !!! actually local make tree hole for them nesting so the area become territory of both bird… just look for them without call back or any action
Very small rufescent owl, with yellow-orange eyes, and sparse, light speckles on the underparts. Although does not possess true ear tufts it can show “false” ones when alert. Occurs within extensive humid rainforests in the lowlands of Wet Zone of Sri Lanka. Roosts singly or in pairs in the understory, but also found in upper levels of trees at night. Combination of small size, all rufous color, lack of prominent facial border, and only limited markings below separates it from all other owls on Sri Lanka. Song is a short “woOLoo”, rising in the middle. [Ebird]
– 被发现少于20年的斯里兰卡特有种。
update 20231222
– one of the bird I really want to see, we went same site for 2 days both day also not full open for picture but we had very good view of this very special endemic bird
Medium-sized owl with significant variation in plumage and vocalizations across its large range. Either gray or brown in coloration, with prominent pale ear tufts and pale face outlined in black. Fond of open wooded habitats from lowlands to foothills, often found roosting in temples, houses, and gardens, particularly in rural areas. Larger and more strongly tufted than both Oriental and Mountain Scops-Owls; both also lack the black facial border. Listen for this species’ incisive, short hoots, given at well-spaced intervals (often around 10 seconds). [Ebird]
It is quite a common bird, even in Malaysia. It was previously classified as the Sunda Scops-Owl but is now considered part of the Collared Scops-Owl. We often had one just outside our room, almost every day.
There is always debate about using torches or flashlights on birds, with no clear consensus on whether it is right or wrong for nature. However, there are certain actions we should never take or support, such as keeping them in cages or tying them up. It’s disheartening to know that many people still do such things, often just for the sake of a photograph.
This was one of my main targets for our Kenya birding trip, and I’m so glad we got it—our very first owl of the trip! As expected, it was sleeping during the day. Of course, we all wished for a shot with its eyes open or in a better pose, but I’m happy we chose not to disturb it just for a photo. Big thanks to my amazing team—you all are awesome!
– with high up angle is common for photo of this bird
update 202407
– arrive Bukit Tinggi noon time which is not much thing we can do, but trying to look for this lovely bird. Stop at first spot and found this bird stay not that high up. But there is a path to climb up to have eye level. Very soon I found it and spoke to small kid (Dev) without any delay he follow me climb up ~20-30m for this picture .. while we going down only he found out we actually climb up quite high 😀 good work boy
– honor to try out the new CANON R5mii, most of us really wish firmware upgrade for R5marki for better AF features. but we know while the markii launch mean the hope will fall on the new R5markii. Yes, the AF improve dramatically, it have AF function like R3, R7, R6markii with add on of new feature too.
– this bird fly quite low and any direction, I track it quite well too
what I like
i. animal detect, eye detection now included for single point, 5 points, any zone and also full area
ii. add on new focus area which disable all animal detect !!! it back to old AF method “point AF” .. very useful for condition for the camera difficult to detect the animal !!!
iii. the animal detect simply awesome, it pick up the animal so fast even at complex environment.. hope I can share more soon
iv. tracking is good too, even it is nothing compare to new R1 .. and may R3 (may be so use to the R3, feel the R3 pick up faster and track more “sticky”)
v. the .5s continuous pre-shoot is a real good feature !!! for wildlife .. I dont have many chance test this but it should be one of the best feature !!! all other brands may also follow this soon 😀
1. Large Frogmouth, 大蟆口鸱, 大蟆口鴟, Batrachostomus auritus, オオガマグチヨタカ, CUCUR BESAR
– very big bird making loud call
– in day time it look like dry leaf
update 202504
It’s a common and not particularly beautiful bird, but each time it’s spotted, its size and leaf-like appearance still spark excitement.
这是一种常见且不算特别美丽的鸟，但每次看到它时，它的体型和如叶子般的外形仍然让人感到兴奋。
202504, Sungai Relau, Merapoh, Pahang
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update 202309
– Matthew had this last few years ago with me at KL so this not the tour target, but it calling so close just try to look for it and very soon (less than 2-3 minutes) it just sit there …
– Matthew 已在几年前在吉隆坡拍到了。（希望那鸟还健在）所以这不是我们目标鸟，可是它叫的很近我们就随便找找。没几分钟我们就找到他了。
202309, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202306
– another good end of this big bird plus a small owl. Just never bore to see this bird guy again and again
– 美好的一天，最后拍到这只大家伙与一只小猫头鹰。这鸟，百看不厌。
202306, Sukau, Sabah, Malaysia
this is an nesting picture capture and it can non move for a day ….
update 2019 March 21
– another nest discover and just 2 day before it fledged
update 2017 Oct 2
– a very surprise found .. in a wrong environment and location
#####
Large Frogmouth,大蛙嘴夜鹰
2. Dulit Frogmouth, 栗颊蟆口鸱, 栗頰蟆口鴟, Batrachostomus harterti, サラワクガマグチヨタカ, CUCUR GUNUNG BESAR
– look very similar to Large Frogmouth
– sight at sub-montane ~600-1250m
– a rare Borneo Endemic , lucky to be there to see, monitor, capture image of this frogmouth
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update 202308
– no one checking and no one disturb, it should be have new generation for this rare Borneo endemic. Fount the nest ~2 months ago and managed to make another trip there last month and the bird sitting on nest and sleeping
– a lucky dawn for all, went to the side. the bird make call once, and managed to locate it less than 10 minutes and everyone got their lifer.
– a bird than look similar to large frogmouth
– 幸运的一天， 到鸟点后。只听到一声叫声，可是很快的就找到它了。
202306, Bakelalan, Sarawak, Malaysia
update 2019 Nov 23
just got back from another amazing birding tour for both rareness Borneo Endemic .. Black Oriole and this Dulit Frogmouth. As usual, never fail us . This bird let us wait less than 5 min ….and give us very good view of 15min
3. Blyth’s Frogmouth, 星喉蟆口鸱, 星喉蟆口鴟, Batrachostomus affinis, コガマグチヨタカ, CUCUR BIASA
– common at lowland from urban, orchard, forest, sub-montane forest
– making a few different calls
update 202409
– it is excited to see this bird in the day time and so cute ..
– such a long time never at Tabin, this time with special request to be in here trying to record as much I can ..trying for this bird night time but failed but got it on day time ! theory work !
– another bird that you do not want to miss … it call softly in night . stay like dry leaf
update 202403
– Thanks for trust, let us have very good view of this bird… sometime a full trust give us a good opportunity
– 感恩客人的信任，才让大家试试新的地方。才让我们看到这么可爱的鸟。
202402, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
update 202305
– this time cannot locate the day roosting, so look for it night time and stand high up.
– 没找到早上的。晚上它又站高高。气死人
202305, Kuala Tahan, Pahang, Malaysia
update 202304
– guests had specify species to look for but dint mentioned frogmouth before meet up. But the route make us difficult to arrange. But we tried few locations still can’t have any frogmouth until day 8. We went a trail for birding just before it rain, we saw this bird shaking just ~10 feet from us. what a lucky moment for guests and immediate after this bird we also saw a female Malaysia Peacock-Pheasant too than follow by heavy rain for next 2- hours. Today highlights for customer: Gould’s frogmouth, Malaysia Peacock-Pheasant, Large Wren-Babblers, Red-naped Trogon, Crested Shrikejay
update 2017 Aug 29
day roosting , but calling !!! 4K recording
update 2017 March 7
5. Bornean frogmouth, 婆羅蟆口鸱, 婆羅蟆口鴟, Batrachostomus mixtus, ボルネオガマグチヨタカ, CUCUR GUNUNG KECIL BORNEO
– a Borneo endemic (depend checklist some consider sub species of Short-tailed frogmouth)
– found near submontane
update 202311
– one of the cute Borneo Endemic, it is small and confuse
– the Dawn picture captured with one of young photographer from Taiwan @葉哲亨 . He has my respect, even much younger than me .. the way he like and enjoy the nature. He also never go and want to go any “feeding” station for bird
– as other frogmouth it should be nocturnal and always good to meet one in day time look cute.
– 蟆口鸱是夜行鸟，早上见到他绝对是兴奋的一克
update 20240108
– one of ours main target, but missed the night and morning version on day1. But got it on day 2 for both night and day version. It really look like Bornean Frogmouth with “short” tailed
Big thanks to the team for their persistence! We finally got a good look at this fairly common lowland forest bird in West Papua. It was a bit of a shame the first one only I managed to photograph—but luckily, we found it again and everyone got their shot!
It’s a massive bird (according to the field guide, 45–60 cm), and it truly looks huge when seen up close. We were lucky that Ahmad took us to his house—yes, just right across from it—to see three of them roosting. But I still hope to see it one day at night, with those glowing red eyes!
这是一只体型非常大的鸟（根据图鉴约45–60厘米），现场看真的很大！
很幸运 Ahmad 带我们去他家（就在他家对面）看到3只正在栖息的鸟。但我还是很想哪天能在夜晚看到它，看到那双“红眼睛”的样子。
202507, Nimbokrang, Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia
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101. Sri Lanka Frogmouth, 领蟆口鸱, 領蟆口鴟, Batrachostomus moniliger, セイロンガマグチヨタカ
a cute and small frogmouth why call very similar to Blyth
update 202312
– a special day to look for owl which need cross river, and leeches attack.. owl no calling but this cute fellow instead .. lovely as usual to see it in the morning
– still on Sri Lanka tour… have many more to share soon
pitta – a bird normally long leg, short-tailed, hopping around on forest floor for food, shy ….
many of the bird photographers just enjoy this bird very much and spend years, months, days, hours .. stay inside hide just to view, photograph this forest gem ..
*** will keep updating this along with my pitta fever *** so please book here 😀
201. Indian Pitta, 印度八色鸫, 印度藍翅八色鳥, Pitta brachyura, インドヤイロチョウ
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201. Indian Pitta, 印度八色鸫, 印度藍翅八色鳥, Pitta brachyura, インドヤイロチョウ
A colorful stubby-tailed bird, also known as “Navrang,” translated as “nine colors.” Colors are most striking when the bird is in flight. This bird has long, strong legs and a stout bill, a buffy crown with a black stripe in the middle, a black eye-stripe, and and buffy underparts with bright red on the vent. Upperparts are green, with a blue shoulder patch. It is usually seen foraging on forest floors with thick undergrowth, catching insects in leaf litter. This bird is vocal, giving its characteristic two-noted whistle call at dusk and dawn. [Ebird]
update 202602
Starting the new year with a plan to revisit a wonderful destination. Sri Lanka’s birding is truly world-class. Looking back at my last visit, this bird was a constant companion; we heard it everywhere, and it was remarkably easy to photograph.
– same month again, the bird active late, 3 weeks ago when I am there no bird call or sight. But yesterday, it is so active to gave us everyone very good view. and I only have this angle view after first found it and brought all other guests over to have this bird. last bird of the group..
– Danum Valley still a best place to see this bird, and found this “tame” bird last few hours before we leaving to other destination. But it still give us good look.
– a shy and big bird
– at this situation between tree, branch, the CANON R7 easily lock the bird eye … soon we will forgot whats is “focus points”
– 丹绒谷还是看这鸟最好的地方。在我们离开前2个小时才找到这只蛮乖的。可是它还是让我们看的蛮久的。
– 在这样的情况，树中间，鸟前有阻碍。佳能R7轻松的自己找到鸟眼。我其实就按快门而已。
202208, Sabah, Malaysia
update 2018 Oct 4
update 2018 Aug 24
another good found, birds nearby there for months .. just need patient and luck to see it
– after spent 5 days in lowland forest without ours’ target, decided to spend last day in other kind of forest to have some new tick for customer. Never prepare anything, no worm just go to the “feeding spot” and wait. This bird appear and stand for long for us .. so this consider “feeding” ? (for me yes as without the feeding activities the bird wont be there for us)
– this Pitta would be mist difficult Pitta for myself, exclude the feeding spot picture or sighting. I have only 2 open 1-2s moment to have pictures and total <30s view over the years .. who have non feeding picture ? I know my best buddy and I spent our days and weeks …
– found Borneo, which is black head instead Peninsular Malaysia’s rufous head
update 202510
The special target tour has finally come to an end. Unfortunately, for the first time ever, we missed 2 out of our 3 main targets — a tough pill to swallow. It’s my first time missing them during this special tour. But on the brighter side, we still did very well with many other species, including this beautiful pitta that gave us a great view and photo opportunity.
Such an exciting moment—first, we heard its call nearby, then spotted it quietly resting high up in a tree. It didn’t take long before we all got a great view. Moments like this are what make birding so much fun!
– another bird which can be very easy at certain period but very difficult even have a look at wrong season. But again it is much easier to have a look at feeding spot. Thanks some effort of the birder for keep the good place allow many other photograph this bird as not everyone has so much time (come at right time) for non feeding …
4. Western Hooded Pitta, 绿胸八色鸫, 黑領八色鳥, Pitta sordida, ズグロヤイロチョウ, BURUNG-PACAT HIJAU BIASA
– common winter visitor for Peninsular Malaysia
update 202603
This bird is truly a stunner to observe and photograph. It brings back memories of years ago when we trekked just a bit further to capture this same Pitta species with the whole crew. There is nothing like enjoying nature and birding with great friends.
After sharing so many overseas sightings, it’s time to post a familiar face from Malaysia. A very common bird, yet always beautiful to watch and photograph. This winter visitor has been returning to the same spot year after year.
– another bird that I rarely photograph beside feeding spot… this as usual a bird capture at feeding spot. It is tame as usual come together with another lovely Kingfisher
– 这鸟应该是我拍最少野拍八色鸫。这一只是喂食点的，与之前一样都很乖啊。
202403, Taiping, Perak, Malaysia
#####
update 202302
– a bird that we use to see it every year before covid but getting difficult to have picture since the lockdown. today lucky moment where this bird seem resting and give good time for me
– look alike blue-winged pitta with very similar call
update 202602
During this season, this bird is surprisingly quiet. It hardly calls at all—just appears silently, perching nearby, preening and resting with very little movement. A calm and peaceful presence in the field.
– another bird found, quite tame too even not feed
– 另一只红树林八色鸫，没喂食拍到还是很不错的。
202404, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
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– this bird have abnormal behavior this year, seem get active quite late…
– I am really giving respect to my buddy, friend, bos .. AhLee … how the hack he found this spot for this bird !!! dont think I can imagine this bird just here !
– a raining morning, I got wet without any rain gear.. but the bird also very wet when it show up. Still very dirty look ahh
– 一大早，下雨。我没带雨衣，雨伞。全身都湿湿的，可是这鸟看来也忘了？
202308, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia
####
– few months didn’t visit this pitta, amazing.. it gave us a good show just ~3minutes .. but why so dirty !!!
– 几个月没见这鸟，还是很乖3分钟左右就让我们看够够。可是怎么这么难看！
20230731, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202302
– 3rd birds of the new tour, just wait less than 5 minutes this time. stay for long for us
– 这团的第3只鸟。等了3-5分钟就出来了。还很乖的站好好
202302, Selangor, Malaysia
###
– another lucky guests, we just wait less than 10 minutes for a good view and pictures.
– 非常幸运的客人，只等了10分钟。就把这八色鸫拿下。
202302, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202301
– mangrove forest is one most affect by development for pass few years near center of Peninsular Malaysia. Lost many habitat of this pitta since 2014. Getting real difficult to see it.
Mangrove Pitta, 紅樹八色鶇,Pitta megarhyncha, マングローブヤイロチョウ, Burung Pacat Bakau,
update 2020 Jan 16
a missing or shy “Kuala Lumpur Mangrove Pitta” for almost whole year 2019 birding season … it finally return 2020 hope the small left over Mangrove can be protect for it
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6. Blue-winged pitta, 马来八色鸫, 馬來八色鶇, Pitta moluccensis,ミナミヤイロチョウ, BURUNG-PACAT SAYAP BIRU
– mostly winter visitor Nov-April
– also local breed at Northern Peninsular Malaysia
update 202602
A stunning Pitta that many have started to take for granted. Because it’s a common sight every season and easy to capture on camera, its beauty is often ignored. But like clockwork, it returns to the same spot every year, waiting for us.
– 2024 official day1 working, it is faithful start … we arrive the “feeding spot” but without put any “food” the bird just stand there waiting so are we shoot at feeding bird ? … but it is real challenge having long focal length + high megapixel camera … CANON R7 + CANON RF200800. I am shooting ISO6400, F8, 538mm, 1/50
– 在马来西亚雨林，早上真的很不容易拍。高像素+长焦段。佳能R7, RF200800. CANON R7 + CANON RF200800. I am shooting ISO6400, F8, 538mm, 1/50
20240103, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
#####
update 202301
– a winter visitor, look mangrove a like
– really like the R3 video AF it is really track the animal eye non stop even very low light condition
– 马来西亚半岛。12月-4月蛮普通的候鸟。
– 非常喜欢佳能R3视屏对焦。一直对焦动物眼。
#####
– still prefer the old position. this bird simply awesome
– 久的。还是最好。站这非常的美。
update 202301
– same bird, same place after years … it is always a good bird to see and photograph and test new camera.
– 3-4 年了。同一时间，同一点，同一只鸟。可是还是很好看，拍的鸟。可是用来试试新相机，脚架。
202301, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202101
Focal length: 300mm+1.4x tc ISO: 640
F number: 8.0
Shutter Speed: 1/60
4k 16:9, 59.94p, 200 Mbps MOV/H.265 (HEVC) LPCM, 4:2:0 10bit
Zone AutoFocus - can see with the lowlight condition and mess environment the Autofocus will trying to confuse by the nearby moving objects (eg leaf)
update 2020 May 6
Blue-winged pitta ,馬來八色鶇,Pitta moluccensis, ミナミヤイロチョウ, Burung Pacat Sayap Biru
update 2020 Jan 17
7. Garnet Pitta, 榴红八色鸫, 榴紅八色鶇, Erythropitta granatina, ムラサキヤイロチョウ,BURUNG-PACAT DELIMA BIASA
– Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak lowland pitta
– call very similar to Blue-Banded Pitta, Malaysian Rail-Babbler
Update 202505
It was exciting to spot one moving on the ground without being disturbed by our presence—there were ten of us constantly shifting around for a better angle. We were lucky to encounter this Pitta without a long wait or much effort.
– this year is good for this Garnet Pitta, my 3rd times seeing this bird (2 times in Taman Negara – Kuala Tahan and now at Merapoh) seem getting better ? easier and more heard ? this feeding station are seem not active lucky to heard it than got it
– one of the star birds of Peninsula Malaysia and it was there for years … just wish no much disturbance because of any reason. And it is no one spot it is a national park for years .. just enjoy the nature and birding
– a wet day, bird seem busy looking for ground food. such a dirty bird
– always a lovely bird to be seen and photograph
– 几天都是下雨天，这鸟特别肮脏。
– 一只看几次都不闷的鸟。
202209, Taman Negara Sg Relau, Kelanatan, Malaysia
update 202105
– this picture capture before the famous birding spot been “build” “Tiger cage”
– forest pitta, overall red-blue-black
– 马来西亚森林的宝石。很美丽的八色鸫。
201504, Pahang, Malaysia
update 2020 May
Garnet Pitta , 榴紅八色鶇,Erythropitta granatina,ムラサキヤイロチョウ, BURUNG-PACAT DELIMA BIASA
update 2020 May
Garnet Pitta , 榴紅八色鶇，Erythropitta granatina,ムラサキヤイロチョウ, BURUNG-PACAT DELIMA BIASA
update 2019 Dec
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update 2015 Jun 14
Angry Garnet
8. Malayan Banded-Pitta, 马来蓝尾八色鸫, 馬來藍尾八色鶇, Hydrornis irena，マラヤシマヤイロチョウ, BURUNG-PACAT BELANG MELAYU
– Peninsular Malaysia – South Thailand very beautiful “Yellowish” pitta
– a very beautiful forest bird
– male bird with blue on belly 馬來西亞最漂亮的八色鶇之一。
公鳥肚有藍。母鳥全黃黑班。
update 202601
Definitely not a lifer—I’ve photographed this species over 50 times! But this is the first time seeing such vibrant colors and such a confiding individual. The bird hide offered an amazing experience with this lovely bird, and everyone was really happy with the results.
This is a stunning female!
Always a pleasure catching up with one of the best birders/guides I know—Matthew and Hoi Ling! He made a short visit and requested a few lifers, so we left KL at 2:30am and headed to Merapoh. Despite the morning rain, we managed to tick off two lifers soon after arrival. Once the rain stopped, we got lucky again with this special lifer—it showed up twice (I missed the first photo opportunity)! Such a stunning Pitta, and a great moment getting both Garnet and this species away from the usual “stage”.
– one of the most beautiful pitta of Malaysia. It is not easy bird to be seen without feeding. But feeding can create problem for the bird ? YES and NO ?
One of the most beautiful pittas in Borneo—not rare, but often shy and habitat-specific. We were lucky to enjoy a wonderful encounter with this species at Danum Valley. It might even be the least pitta I see this year (2025)!
– a revisit a same place after 10 years +, the bird still same spot but now handling and feed by local Photographer Subki & Ambo. Make chance to have picture of this beauty of Borneo much easier compare those day… It is quite challenge too, you need patient to sit and wait ….
– a special tour to Sabah for this beautiful Borneo endemic Pitta, it took us long wait even we managed to get other birds while waiting but it just too long and tired waiting but than when the Pitta show everyone just a big relief. A beautiful Pitta ..
10. Black-crowned Pitta, 黑头八色鸫, 黑頭八色鶇, Erythropitta ussheri, クロアカヤイロチョウ,BURUNG-PACAT DELIMA SABAH
– very special Borneo endemic, which limited only to East-North Borneo (Sabah)
– behavior, environment, call same Garnet Pitta (red-crown)
update 202306
– another good moment while we just had short wait at “feeding spot”. The bird came in pair looking left-right-up-down
– beautiful Borneo endemic Pitta which is most common among all other
– 当我们到达‘喂食点“时，等了几分钟。鸟就出来了。2只鸟跳上跳上，好可爱。
– 婆罗洲特有种之一。与其他几种特有种八色鸫，最普通的一种。
202306, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202301
– 2022 is not a pitta year for me. Didn’t have special Pitta tour, and too busy for own photography for Pitta. But this is definitely Pitta I shoot most of 2022. last session of 2022, very dark, handheld, with R7 and RF100500.
– for year 2022, I really feel there are few good options for birder or Bird guide photography setup. for good weight, size, AF and Image quality.
– look at the image quality for this very lowlight condition picture.
– a special Borneo endemic which only for North-East
– many of them singing in the forest, and only this bird show it’s face
– 非常特别的婆罗洲特有种，只限于婆罗洲东北部
– 几乎那都听到这鸟叫，可是就这一只给我们看看。
202205, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
update 202106
– too many pictures of this beauty. and here is one of the video how’s this bird making call which same to Garnet Pitta and similar to Rail-babber, Blue-banded Pitta
– it is Garnet Pitta alike except the crown is full black instead of red
– very special Borneo endemic which is only limited to East-North Borneo island which is Sabah
– 马来西亚算是我见最多的八色鸫。
– 与榴红八色鸫几乎一样。生活环境，叫声，活动方式等。
– 婆罗洲蛮特别的特有种。这只是在东北部（沙巴）
201706, RDC, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
#
update 202101
- a special Borneo endemic which limited to only North-East (Sabah)
- call, behavior same as Garnet Pitta - one of the Pitta I photograph most
#
update 2020 May 9
Black-headed pitta, 黑頭八色鶇, Erythropitta ussheri, クロアカヤイロチョウ,BURUNG-PACAT DELIMA SABAH
11. Blue-headed Pitta, 蓝头八色鸫, 藍頭八色鶇, Hydrornis baudii, ズアオヤイロチョウ, Burung Pacat Kepala Biru
– another Borneo lowland endemic
– male have blue-head, red-back, purple-blue chest-bellied. female overall with blue-tailed.
– 婆罗洲特有种。
– 公鸟-蓝头，尾。红背。胸腹是紫蓝。母鸟都是棕色，蓝尾
update 202510
Another rewarding visit to Danum Valley! As usual during this season, this beautiful pitta showed well — just about 50 meters from the lodge lobby. It stood in the open and called for a while, giving us a great view to start our day!
It’s a great way to start the month with two sightings of this stunning Borneo endemic Pitta. It wasn’t far, but I stuck with my 500mm lens, avoiding getting closer to disturb it before others had their chance to capture it. Such incredible colors!
– another bird always to look for when we are at Borneo. This month, we saw it few times at Danum Valley and Tabin. Amazing colors on this particular bird.
– it is always good reason to visit Danum Valley for this wonderful Pitta, this bird can be either very challenge or very easy to see especially the right time and place. (plan for right time, the bird can be like this one just give up show infront of 10 of us and stay for photo)
– when the time come, right season make this so much easier ..compare to last few months. The bird just come and check and I am just ~10 feet from him. I think this is one of the Pitta I really enjoy to see its’ behavior than waiting for hours in spot … so much fun to see ~5 birds just 2 km in the trail .. 3 of them gave me good chance to have photographs
– it is not a new site for this feeding station, 12-13 years ago I got my Blue-headed Pitta similar site and it is not feeding .. the bird just there and it was very fun trip with few good buddies .. Andy Pau, Jasnnie, Ah Lee, Shunfa .. this time we went for feed !!! but the bird came while we arrive and came infornt of me ~4-5feet away without food or hide !!! But after wait for 3 hours .. it came with a chick few times but not the male .. it is a tough time spent with almost 8 hours for Blue-Banded and 3 hours for no male … but this female really beautiful and I think I never got any good picture of female of this bird
– working on some old hdd transfer to new backup-working hardiscs . This is one of the most amazing moment I meet this bird so far, it keep chasing us from ~100m away
– 在搬硬碟，这是6年前的非常兴奋的一刻。这鸟一直跟着我们。
201708, Danum Valley, Sabah
update 202309
– it is so tame, 9 people standing 10feet from it.. it still coming back same area just slow and display a bit for picture … so amazing to see this behaviors again
– previously under the same species of Banded Pitta which now split to 3 different species. Malayan Banded Pitta, Borneo Banded Pitta, and Javan Banded Pitta. all of them with slightly different looks especially male. But all with the same call, behavior.
– 之前与其他两种马来亚，与婆罗洲归为同种。叫声一样。
– 爪哇特有种
update 202105
– male bird with a blue neck, head yellow instead of rufuos
– another “Red-bellied” pitta, and it classified as North Moluccan Pitta which is endemic of Halmahera.
– it is very near to Ivory-Breasted Pitta spot
– 另一只“红胸八色鸫”分出来的摩鹿加特有种。
#####
update 202602
It is always the most rewarding and enjoyable experience to see a Pitta without using feeding. During our last visit to Halmahera, we were told that one Pitta was active in the area, even though it was not being fed. Still, everyone was excited to give it a try. The rule was simple: stay completely still, photograph only what appears in front of you, and make no movement or sound. After nearly two hours of patience, everyone was rewarded with great views and satisfying photos of this non-fed Pitta. Many thanks to my team for always placing their trust in me.
– the Bird making call on tree and stand there for so long ..
– 这鸟一直在树上叫。叫了好几个小时。
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update 202310
– another “different look” North Moluccan which photograph at feeding station at Ternate Island
– a not very easy walk as keep going steep downward sloop
– 另一只北摩鹿加八色鸫，在不一样的岛拍的。样子有点不一样。这个喂食点，也不是太容易。。。一直往下走。
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202304, Center Halmahera, Indonesia
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54. Ivory-breasted Pitta, 白胸八色鸫, 牙白胸八色鳥, Pitta maxima
A distinctive large, plump, short-tailed, long-legged forest bird with a black upperside and white underside, a striking red area on the lower belly, and a conspicuous silvery-blue shoulder patch. Juvenile duller, with buff on underparts. Shy, more often heard than seen. Usually found singly or in pairs in humid lowland and hill forest. Forages on the ground, but while calling often perches high in the understory or canopy. Very vocal; frequently given song is a mournful wolf whistle. [Ebird]
– 非常大的八色鸫。背部全黑。前部白+红。很特别。在这岛上，几乎那都听到这鸟的叫声。
update 202310
– arrived Halmahera, before anything go for this main target … due to long travel everyone seem tired but luckily the bird appear not that long compare to other waiting 😀 and it is huge in size, some with 800mm little bit suffer to take whole bird into frame
– post this before I get busy months again. This is one of the most amazing experience on this trip. When day 1 arrived with heavy rain, after rain stop we did quick birding surrounding our homestay. when we walk near the river, owner say why not we go for quick try on the Pitta and keep mentioned “if the bird is nearby or little bit distance he can do pick-up service” !! (I am thinking pick-up service hmmm). But the bird came without long wait or any issue. (so we missed the pick-up service show)
– next day after Standardwing BOP, we walk back to homestay and pass by the Pitta spot. We would like to try for this pitta again for male. After long wait (~15minutes) , he say the bird is far lets’ him pick-up the pitta .. I was like hmm how ? But he walk into the bush and use whistler/call. After ~10minutes wait, we heard the bird call getting nearer and soon we saw him walking out from the bush. and you can see the Pitta is following him coming out from the bush (may be ~10-15m away) !!!!!! “pick up service”
a very similar to Borneo Black-headed Pitta and Garnet pitta call and similar look. But it is an endemic to Sumatra island
– 与婆罗洲的黑头八色鸫，西马的榴红八色鸫非常像。叫声也很像。
update 202411
– this year seem not much luck on this bird, not that many sighting compare to last year and each sight very short time for picture opportunity. Luckily that still managed to have few click before it disappear.
– while we looking for the Ground-cuckoo, that area actually plenty of this Pitta. We saw one just 3-5feet from us stand there and cannot take any picture and this bird same just came to us and look at us .. beautiful moment even not a good picture compare to previous feeding station picture but it is a different satisfaction to find one wild..
– saw this bird yesterday while waiting ours target, the bird stand 5 feed at us looking at us and definitely not able to focus to have a picture. Today, go to the “easy side” but 2 landslides happen car cannot drive through, we birding and walk ~8km to reach. While we cooking coffee, the bird calling and came…
another “green pitta” almost can heard any where of “east Sumba” almost like other Pitta, so difficult to spot one even can heard many places
– 另一只绿色八色鸫，在东部几乎那都听到。可是与其他八色鸫一样都是听多过看。
#####
update 202401
– one of the main target, but know it is “feeding spot” it make we not worry of this bird to be photograph. after first night failed of owling, everyone seem tired next day and choose to go the “station”. When we arrive just after <30minute drive from ours hotel and walk less than 5 minutes, the local who manage the “hide” say bird already seen so immediate everyone getting ready the “big lens and camera”. without long wait we have very good view and picture but very quick one than stay near bush for quite some time before 2nd appearance and after 2nd round it stay nearby and I got this picture which I think I prefer this instead perfect view 😀
Large-headed and long-legged, this rare and rotund Sumatran endemic is found only in foothill forests between 900 to 2400 meters (typically in the upper half), where it is most easily detected by its strange song, a spaceship-like “oowOOOOwooWOOH.” Male has a sky-blue back and incomplete black collar, while the female has a dull brownish back and a dull blue tail. [EBird]
update 202411
– One of our main targets for this trip, but it didn’t show up at the “feeding spot.” After waiting at two locations, it suddenly appeared not far away. Everyone quickly grabbed their gear, and although it remained tame, it never came to the feeding spot. Still, we were thrilled to see the female, especially since we missed it last year—though this year, we missed the male!
A typical pitta: plump, short-tailed, long-legged, and primarily terrestrial (sometimes perches up to call). Bright green above with electric blue shoulder patch and rump and black head with conspicuous pale brow. Underside golden-buff with black and bright red on the belly. Juvenile duller, with little blue in wing, an orange-tipped bill, and a pinkish belly. Resident in woodland, forest, scrub, and plantations in the lowlands and hills of the Lesser Sundas, from Lombok east to Alor. Formerly regarded as a subspecies of Elegant Pitta, to which it is very similar; Ornate averages more extensively black on the throat and lower belly, and has a fairly evenly divided rufous-and-white “eyebrow.” Also note Ornate’s whistled two-note call [Ebird]
After successfully getting all our target birds, we took it easy and birded along the main forest road. Suddenly, 3–4 of these Pittas started calling nearby, and one of them came as close as 10 feet from me!
This individual even stood out in the open for 2–3 minutes, giving us a fantastic natural encounter—not at a feeding station, but in the wild. A very different kind of excitement.
Hope everyone enjoyed this Lombok bird photography trip. And Imran—see you next time!
Finally had the chance to revisit this spot again. As usual, the Pitta was quite tame but didn’t make it easy for everyone to get a good shot. Still, I was lucky enough to get a satisfying photo.
Despite the light drizzle, we managed to photograph two of our main targets during this one evening session.
A special arrangement was made with Ramesh for a relaxing birding trip focused on collecting a few endemic species. As usual, pittas, owls, and woodpeckers were our primary targets. Upon arriving at the airport, we had a ~1.5-hour drive followed by a short walk to the feeding spot. After less than 15 minutes of waiting, the bird showed up beautifully, allowing for this “pre-poo” moment to be captured perfectly.
update 202503 ##### This is one of the most photogenic Pittas ever captured. It constantly showcases different expressions and responds to calls from both males and females—sometimes even standing nearby while calling repeatedly.
This was another tricky bird to get! We spent two hours on the first afternoon, and only I managed to get a partial shot of the head and body. The next day trying for Papuan Pitta was another tough one—again, I was the only one who got a photo. On our final evening, Ahmad suggested trying a new bird hide. （bird not come for feed) —just walked and flew around. But in the end, everyone finally got a look at this Papua endemic!
This bird showed up a few times throughout our West Papua trip and became one of our frequently seen species. Unfortunately, only I managed to get some record shots—others only saw it walk past! It actually paused in this spot for around 4 seconds, but due to the bird hide’s viewing angle, not everyone could get a photo.
202507, Nimbokrang, Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia
62. Banda Sea Pitta, 斑达八色鸫, 斑達八色鶇, Pitta vigorsii, バンダカイノドグロヤイロチョウ
update 202511
This Indonesia bird photography trip was a last-minute decision, but it turned out to be quite a successful one. One of our target birds showed up early, and I managed to capture this shot using Canon R1 at ISO16000—surprisingly good results despite the low light!
101. Blue Pitta, 蓝八色鸫, 藍八色鶇, Hydrornis cyaneus, ルリヤイロチョウ
Only the male of this rotund ground-dweller is truly blue; the female only has a hint of blue on the rump and tail. Male is brilliant and eye-catching if seen well: sky-blue on the back with a polka-dotted light blue breast and belly. Female has gray-brown wings and finely barred white underparts. Both sexes boast a pale face and a thin black eyebrow, above which flames a lava-red crown (darker in males than in females) (Ebird)
A plump, short-tailed, long-legged terrestrial bird with a red belly, a black throat, a blue chest band, and a ruddy-colored head. Juvenile is dull brown with blue in rump and tail and a horn-colored bill with a pale tip and base. Singles or pairs inhabit forest, degraded patches, and bamboo thickets in lowlands and hills. Differs from Whiskered Pitta in smaller size, black throat, lack of a pale whisker, and more extensive ruddy head coloration. (EBird)
– medium size barbet, normally found mangrove and urban garden/forest
Lineated Barbet ,绿拟啄木鸟
3. Black-browed Barbet, 黑眉拟鴷, 黑眉擬鴷, Psilopogon oorti, ゴシキドリ, TAKUR BUKIT BIASA
– sub-monatane colorful bird
– very common at Fraser Hill
update 202408
– another day with CANON new R5markii, I cannot do too many testing while working with guests. But I really trying to test the AF, AF tracking my best with the option I have. This picture show how the camera can quickly found the bird even with not much contrast .. it found the eye immediate I point the camera to the bird.
– it is not really that normal to see Barbet feed on insect, it feed 2 (a big cicada before this) and not far it is fruiting tree.. it is always good to see this bird close and eye level
– 在福隆港虽然很普通的鸟，应该也没什么见过这鸟吃“肉” 吧。见到它吃第二只。在近距离就有果树啊。
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
update 202309
– before we start ours day, this bird just stand at eye level outside ours’ hotel. spend few minutes to have good view and picture for this common bird of Fraser Hill
– 一大早，这鸟在我们酒店门口下来很低。我们都高兴的拍到好照片。这时福隆港普鸟
202305, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
####
update 202207
– a very common Barbet that always heard at Fraser Hill. But always good to see it at same eye level
– 福隆港很普通的鸟，满山都可以听到他的声音。可是在低角度看到它，还是很美的鸟。
202207, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
#
Black-browed Barbet, 五色鳥
4. Mountain Barbet, 山拟鴷, 山擬鴷,Megalaima monticola, ヤマゴシキドリ, TAKUR BUKIT BORNEO
– Borneo sub-montane endemic
– medium size, pale color
update 202509
######
This is one of the best spots to photograph this beautiful Borneo endemic—it comes close and low if we stay calm and respectful. We had a great session earlier, but my guest wanted to try again, maybe from a different angle.
When we returned, another group with a tour leader arrived after spotting the bird. Unfortunately, they stood way too close—just 1–2 meters from the fruiting tree where the bird was feeding. Isn’t it basic birding etiquette to give the bird space if we want better views and photos?
Anyway, we were already happy with our previous shots. After the group left, the bird came close again, almost like saying goodbye—what a lovely way to end the tour.
This Borneo endemic is far from dull—when sunlight hits its feathers, it reveals a surprisingly beautiful display of color.
这种婆罗洲特有种一点也不单调——当阳光照射在它的羽毛上时，展现出令人惊艳的美丽色彩。
202506, Crocker range, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202503
It’s a chilly day at 16°C with strong winds. The morning was lovely, though the afternoon turned misty. Fortunately, after the rain and misty period, we were lucky to spot both endemic Barbets up close, including this adorable one.
– another visit of this lovely forest, good weather…good birds (montane and sub-montane). While we trying to find few of ours target, found this bird busy making some hole .. lovely Borneo endemic
– a boring day, we came for both Bornean and Mountain Barbets but both no calling at all for almost an hour. But it is lucky to sudden spot this bird low and near just next to road side feeding on flower ..
– another not so common endemic to be Photograph, but it is always heard at Sub-montane forest
– 另一只特有种通常都是听，可是没什么办法拍好的婆罗洲特有种。
202311 – Tambunan, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202310
– just another common heard, or high up view bird. but today it decided to come low and making call to allow us to capture some good photo of this endemic
– 婆罗洲另一只通常听到，站高高的鸟。可是今天他很乖的下来叫还要让我们拍。
202309, Trusmadi, Sabah, Malaysia
update 2020 April 16
#######
5. Brown Barbet, 褐拟鴷, 褐擬鴷, Caloramphus fuliginosus, チャイロゴシキドリ, TAKUR-DAHAN BORNEO
a Borneo endemic , lovely bird that making noisy around
update 202408
– a pretty common Borneo lowland endemic, normally moving in group. lucky to have this eye level view.
– 婆罗洲低海拔特有种，蛮普通。通常群体活动。非常幸运拍到这么好的角度。
202408, RDC, Sepilok, Sabah
#####
update 202406
– a not so attractive Borneo endemic and pretty common across the Borneo lowland forest.
– overall brown with “red leg”
– 一只不大有吸引力的婆罗洲特有种。也蛮普通。
– 几乎褐色+红脚
202405, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202405
– a pretty common Borneo endemic making some high pitch call, normally moving in group
– overall brown with reddish leg
– got this almost eye level at canopy with small fruiting tree
– 婆罗洲蛮普通的鸟，叫声有点小高音
– 几乎都是褐色，红脚。
– 在天空吊桥在近距离看到。
202404, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 20230124
– the only brown or boring looking Barbet of Malaysia. But it still look gorgeous.
– 马来西亚唯一的棕色或看起来很无聊的擬鴷。但它看起来仍然很华丽。
202312, RDC, SABAH, Malaysia
update 2017 Oct 17
6. Sooty Barbet, 马来褐拟鴷, 馬來褐擬鴷, Caloramphus hayii, ススイロゴシキドリ, TAKUR-DAHAN MELAYU
– split from Brown Barbet which now Bornean Endemic
– the only plain color Barbet of Malaysia, normally moving in a group
update 202507
It was a quiet day birding with a few close friends at this birding spot. Not much action, but luckily, this species came to the rescue—four of them called nearby and came in close, giving everyone a chance for some great photos.
– this is my casual birding spot, same branch with more than 10 species birds bird stand here for us. This common Barbet make it’s appear when the tree with quite a lot of flower
– a visit to Merapoh Canopy walk, and there is fruiting tree just at right time. Managed to have few good birds and this is one good allow us for good photo
– 到Merapoh, 有点时间去了新的雨林吊桥.也很巧，有果树。看到蛮多好鸟，这一只也来的很近
202311, Merapoh, Kelantan, Malaysia
####
update 202103
– a very good morning walk, manage to have an owl, barbet, and 3 species of Iora (same tree) and etc for a good photo opportunity
– this tiny barbet also join the Iora party
– 早上到森林周边走走。竟然遇上马来西亚3种雀鹎还要在同一棵树。
– 这小小的蓝耳拟鴷也一起来趁热闹。
202103, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202012
#######
8. Bornean Barbet, 加里曼丹拟鴷, 加里曼丹擬鴷,Megalaima eximia, ノドグロゴシキドリ, TAKUR TUKANG GUNUNG
– Borneo sub-montane Endemic
– small and very colorful Barbet
update 202503
This is one of Borneo’s small endemic birds, often heard but rarely seen or photographed. However, this time, it perched right in front of us, offering an exceptional view.
– a small Borneo endemic Barbet, which normally heard but not easy to spot and due to the size. It is always difficult to photograph. Overall very bright color with blue face.
– what a lucky moment saw this bird perch low even not really close .. but still always good to see it here..
– 一直很小的婆罗洲特有种。通常站高，叫不停。不容易见到活拍好。脸不带蓝+红。
– 非常幸运在这看到它这么低，虽然还是有点距离。可是这个角度看他还是非常好棒的。
202309, Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202311
– one of the small barbet of Borneo, pretty common to heard at Trusmadi – Bakelalan
– 婆罗洲特有种，蛮小，普通。可是还是不容易见到他。
202309, Trusmadi, Sabah, Malaysia
####
update 202309
– special target tour, suppose to be last day target but when after ours “chickens” target.. it is a fruiting tree full of barbet calling. very soon we tick both Mountain and Bornean barbet
9. Fire-tufted Barbet, 火簇拟鴷, 火簇擬鴷, Psilopogon pyrolophus, アカフサゴシキドリ, TAKUR API
– big size Barbet, found sub-montane – montane
– common at Fraser Hill , Cameron Highlands
update 202403
– another not so common for a Barbet feed on insect but not bring back to feed young. As usual this beautiful Barbet attract all ours attention …
– 这拟鴷还是这么美丽，可是还是蛮不寻常。他们吃昆虫而不是果子，通常在喂小孩时会带回去喂。
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
####
update 202309
– target bird no sound at all any where, decided just birding on roadside. found this bird so close feeding for more than 15minutes
– 目标鸟没出现。决定在马路上随便看看鸟，竟然看到这漂亮的鸟在哪吃东西都不理我们。
202309, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
update 202307
– not really spend a lot of time at Fraser Hill 2023, but last tour we had very good time there with this lovely and beautiful barbet stand together
– a very common Barbet to be seen at Fraser Hill
– 2023 没太多时间在福隆港。上一团还是很不错，这里的普鸟还站一起让我们拍照。
202307, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
update 202303
– time for cicada, it is feeding chick. We see this barbet commonly feed on fruit. But when nesting time, it do bring back insect for feeding the young
– 这鸟通常都是吃果子的。在筑巢时，有时会喂小鸟吃虫。
202303, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
update 202208
– one of the large Barbet, which show a lot of characters. Very common in Fraser Hill
– 蛮大的鸟。在福隆港蛮普通。
202208, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
update 202106
– big size barbet, which wont mistake by the forehead “fire-tufted”, gray-cheek, overall green, neck with yellow-white band
After getting our main target—the Malaysian Rail-babbler—we enjoyed a more relaxed birding session. This bird had been calling loudly for a few days, but we were too focused on the Rail-babbler to pay much attention.
Finally, we took the time to look for it—and wow, it really is a gorgeous bird!
What a wonderful stretch—after seeing the Bornean Bristlehead and Bornean Banded Pitta, this beautiful barbet showed up right at eye level for us to enjoy!
这是非常精彩的时刻！看完婆罗洲棘头鵙和婆罗洲斑八色鸫后，这只漂亮的拟啄木鸟就在我们眼前出现！
202508, Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202403
– it is a good fruiting tree, gave us very good view (eye level) of few good birds. Included this lovely colorful Barbet
– 这果树真的很好，好几只好鸟都是平视角。包括这只非常漂亮的鸟。
202403, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
####
update 202102
202009, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
###
12. Golden-naped Barbet, 金枕拟鴷, 金枕擬鴷, Psilopogon pulcherrimus, キエリゴシキドリ, TAKUR TOPENG HITAM GUNUNG
– common montane Borneo Endemic
– very common found at KNP, Sabah
The highest-ranging of Borneo’s endemic barbets, found in montane forest from 1000 m up to 3000 m or more. Stunning emerald-green with neon-powder-blue crown and throat; namesake golden nape only visible from certain angles. Yellow-crowned Barbet is similar in appearance, but the two do not overlap in altitudinal range. Slow-moving and often difficult to locate; forages at middle and upper levels. Best detected by voice: two bright, hollow-sounding notes followed by a brief ascending trill. [EBird]
update 202509
One of the most common and easiest Borneo endemic barbets to see. This species often comes down to feed and is quite tolerant of people.
We were lucky to get a few great photo opportunities with this beautiful bird.
这是婆罗洲最常见、最容易看到的特有拟啄木鸟之一，通常会飞到低处觅食，也不太怕人。
我们很幸运，有几次不错的拍照机会，记录下这只可爱的鸟。
202509, Gunung Alab, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202407
– a lovely Borneo montane endemic, the color just amazing combination
– a last bird just before we leave KNP, it stay there so long even I back to car and took my pack camera,
– a bird use to easy to get a good photo but it become more patient needed for better picture .. and this picture like the bird : “are you looking for me ? ”
– 这鸟， 越来越不好拍。以前几乎很近，很容易。现在耐心+运气缺少不行啊。
202404, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
####
update 202311
– common Montane endemic, as other Barbet, it is always heard but perch high-up.
– 婆罗洲高山特有种。如其他拟鴷。通常站高高的叫不停
201603, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
13. Yellow-crowned Barbet, 黄顶拟鴷, 黃頂擬鴷, Psilopogon henricii, キンカブリゴシキドリ, TAKUR TOPENG HITAM BIASA
– a not so common medium size Barbet
– not difficult to ID , as without Red and crown – Yellow Gold
update 202406
– a common heard but seldom seen Barbet, it is most attractive Barbet but sure a beautiful bird to photograph
– 一只通常听到看不到的鸟。虽然不是很吸引人的鸟，可是还是很色彩的鸟。
202206, Ulu Langat, Selangor
#####
14. Golden-throated Barbet, 金喉拟鴷, 金喉擬鴷, Psilopogon franklinii, キンノドゴシキドリ, TAKUR SAYAP TARUM BIASA
– montane and only Peninsular Malaysia but not Borneo
update 202408
– a Barbet that not that common in Fraser Hill area, but it is show well for few days here. with the complex environment. The new CANON R5markii, full area focus found the bird almost immediate. I really like the R5markii … you ?
– it is under the same species but looks different from the one found in Peninsular Malaysia. The Bali one, head over all more red-black instead of red-yellow-black
– 与马来西亚半岛的头部很不一样。红-黑而已。
update 202105
201605, West Balu National Park, Bali, Indonesia
52. Fire-tufted Barbet, 火簇拟鴷, 火簇擬啄木鳥, Psilopogon pyrolophus, アカフサゴシキドリ, TAKUR API, Burung Takor Api
update 202411
– This is one of the most common birds at Fraser’s Hill, Malaysia, but its beauty never fails to captivate me. I never tire of seeing or photographing it, even when we’re in Sumatra, Indonesia. My buddy and I were hiking to find other targets, with no much luck—only hearing calls without seeing anything. Then, this bird appeared, coming down low to feed, offering us a perfect opportunity.
It is another species endemic to Sri Lanka, primarily green-yellow with a blue face. It is fairly common throughout the country.
它是另一种斯里兰卡特有种，整体呈绿色和黄色，脸部呈蓝色，在该国相当常见。
202312, Sri Lanka
150. Great Barbet, 大拟啄木鸟, 大擬啄木, Psilopogon virens, オオゴシキドリ
This largest of the barbets is colorful, but often appears all-dark from a distance. No other barbet in its range combines the features of a massive pale bill, black head, and dark olive back. Sluggish and shy; tends to stick to dense forest canopy, where it is difficult to see. Its loud hooting song (typically a series of two repetitive notes) is often the only indication of this species’s presence. Also gives a harsh, screaming “karrrrr” that has a gull-like quality. [Ebird]
I’ve seen this bird many times in various places but never had the chance to capture a photo—until now. Here, we finally had numerous opportunities to take some great shots.
Seeing the photo afterward was a completely different kind of excitement, as the vibrant colors that define the bird truly stood out. Simply incredible!
A common inhabitant of lowland and foothill tropical forests, where it sings brightly but often unseen from the canopy; listen for its repeated 3- or 4-syllabled ‘took-o-rrook!’ Tends to be more common in edge areas and degraded forests than other barbets. Bright green with a blue throat, a red-and-yellow crown, and a heavy, pale-based bill. Birds at the northern and western parts of this species’ range have a black brow, while southern birds don’t. [Ebird]
A vibrant bird with a predominantly blue head, commonly found in BaiHuaLing, Yunnan, China. Its calls are nearly constant throughout the area, and it occasionally comes down to forage for food and water.
This was our very first Barbet of the tour, and it couldn’t have been better. The bird perched unusually low and very close to us. I still remember my first Tinkerbird sighting—way up in the canopy, 20–30 meters high. This cute fellow, however, stayed low and fed calmly just a short distance away.
The spiderhunters are birds of the genusArachnothera, part of the sunbirdfamilyNectariniidae.
The genus contains eleven species found in the forests of south and
southeastern Asia. They are large representatives of the sunbird family,
with drab plumage and long strongly curved bills. They feed on both
nectar and a range of small arthropods.
– one of the very special look whitish , making various metallic call
update 202510
While we looking for a few target species, this bird was one we really hoped to see. Luckily, we heard its call from a distance, and it flew in close enough for us to photograph this beautiful endemic.
It was a fortunate 1.5 days with such a limited birding window. We managed to spot and photograph Whitehead’s trio. Though it’s somewhat an environmental shot, it’s still great to see the bird again.
It was a quick visit to check on the flowers while meeting a few friends. Within an hour, the bird appeared twice, giving me the perfect chance to capture its flight using the R1 Continuous Pre-record mode. It worked perfectly!
Over the years, by understanding what the bird feeds on, it has gone from being difficult to spot to becoming a fairly common sight today.
– a special Borneo endemic, this year seem not that difficult for this very beautiful bird
– 婆罗洲特有种蛮多人喜爱的一只。今年几乎不难遇上
202405, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202405
– it is a not so rare but not so easy bird to be seen, but for last months.. the favorite flower (Wightia borneensis) it become patient can make it possible .. just wait …. the bird will be coming … But today, it make different the bird decided come nearer tree and came down for us .. amazing lucky moment even didn’t get any picture while it is at lowest view .. but it is good and close to have this view
– somehow we missed this bird at Sabah after ~3 days search, and lucky to have Sarawak which is a slightly easier place to have this species. Such a different spiderhunter and unmistakable call
– 唯一“全白”的捕蛛鸟。它的叫声应该也很少会听错。
202306, Bakelalan, Sarawak, Malaysia
update 202305
– very early morning on 2nd day, we arrived and heard the call immediate it show less than 5minutes of waiting with very good view. Still one of best looking bird in KNP
– it feed on Rhodondendron rugosom flowers
– 第2天一早，我们到达后不到5分钟就看到了。运气爆表。还是觉得神山最好看的鸟之一。
202305, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
update 20221024
– one of the most beautiful spiderhunter and a not so common Borneo endemic
– sometime confuse with Spectacled Spiderhunter, not so think yellow eye ring, bigger yellow ear patch, more slight not so yellow compare to Spectacled.
update 202503
It is a common bird but often overlooked, as it can sometimes be mistaken for other species and tends to stay near the canopy.
它是一种常见的鸟类，但经常被忽视，因为它有时会与其他物种混淆，并且更喜欢在树冠附近活动。
202412, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202406
– it is flowering season, so many tree with flowers at RDC. Birds come feed near flower, nectar, insects etc .. included this not so common bird also come feed on the nectar.
– 在西必洛雨林公园，很多书都结花。很多鸟都为了花蜜，昆虫都飞的很近很低。
202406, RDC, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
update 202110
– a ginger flower, ready to attract various birds such as sunbird, spiderhunter.
– 姜花吸引了几种鸟的到来。
202110, Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia
#
8. Streaked Spiderhunter, 纹背捕蛛鸟, 紋背捕蛛鳥, Arachnothera magna, タテジマクモカリドリ, KELICAP-JANTUNG GUNUNG BIASA
– common submontane and montane Spiderhunter ..
– streaky chest and back
– very common at Fraser Hill, Genting Highland, Cameron Highlands
– A large and noisy inhabitant of tropical and subtropical hill forests. Distinctive in its range; a large spiderhunter with a long, curved black bill and black streaking all over its yellow-green upperparts and lighter yellow underparts. Gleans invertebrates from foliage, but also hovers around and probes into flowers for nectar. Often moves with mixed flocks. Calls frequently, giving a loud, decisive-sounding “chitick, chitick!”. (Ebird)
update 202212
– a last Peninsular Birding Tour, been raining non stop and while sitting at the cafe. This bird keep coming giving us some waiting, hoping and fun.
– Bornean’s more intensely streaked underparts and slightly larger size
update 202412
It’s not very common to spot this bird here at Gunung Alab, but we heard its call while waiting for another target. Not that long, we saw it perched nearby! Yet another great sighting.
– this bird can be found easily near Lodge area but we seldom stay.. most of ours activities walk from the lodge but this time we got this bird easily just ~200-400m away on ground (~5cm from ground) … it pick the fruit for feeding ?
4. Little Cuckoo-Dove, 小赤鹃鸠, 小赤鵑鳩, Macropygia ruficeps, ヒメオナガバト, Burung Tekukur Api
update 202507
A slimmer, long-tailed dove that’s fairly common from sub-montane to montane areas in both Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia.
这是一种体型较瘦、尾巴较长的鸽子，在婆罗洲和马来半岛的中高海拔地区都很常见。
202507, KNP, Sabah, Malaysia
#####
– another common bird submontane & montane
Little Cuckoo-Dove, 小赤鵑鳩, Macropygia ruficeps, ヒメオナガバト, Burung Tekukur Api
5. Asian Emerald Dove, 绿翅金鸠, 翠翼鳩, Chalcophaps indica,キンバト, PUNAI-TANAH BIASA
– common walking on trail
– very shy and always see it flying across low
update 202308
– at one of the feeding station, this bird keep secretive walking around but still possible to get good picture. Very common but normally difficult to get good picture
– 在沙巴其中一个喂食点，这鸟在科室还是鬼鬼祟祟的。。虽然很普通的鸟，要拍好还是不容易。
202308, Trusmadi, Sabah, Malaysia
####
– before we got ours’ first target, this bird flying and perch nicely. A common but always flying across and very beautiful bird
– 我们刚到， 目标鸟还没出现。这鸟飞了过来。蛮普通的可是每次都是飞过，害羞，美丽的小鸟
202307, Lenggor, Johor, Malaysia
update 202204
– after 2 leech bites, here come a lovely bird come infront of me. always like to see this bird close so can see the beautiful color
– 被两只蚂蝗咬了后。这漂亮的鸟突然飞到我的面前，非常喜欢近距离看这鸟。可以看它的漂亮颜色。
202204, Selangor, Malaysia
update 202110
– a beautiful and shy bird, always feeding on ground
– 很漂亮的害羞鸟，通常在地上觅食。
202110, Selangor, Malaysia
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Asian Emerald Dove, 綠翅金鳩, Chalcophaps indica, キンバト, Punai Tanah
6. Zebra Dove, 斑姬地鸠, 斑姬地鳩, Geopelia striata, チョウショウバト, MERBUK BIASA
7. Nicobar Pigeon, 尼柯巴鸠, 尼柯巴鳩, Caloenas nicobarica, ミノバト, MERPATI-EMAS BIASA
– rare remote island or island
– with good light , very lovely and good looking bird
update 202011
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Nicobar Pigeon, 尼柯巴鳩,, Caloenas nicobarica,ミノバト, Punai Emas
8. Little Green-Pigeon, 小绿鸠, 小綠鳩, Treron olax, チビアオバト, PUNAI KECIL
– small green pigeon which refers to females with mostly green. But a male with Gray head, orange, green front, and maroon wing
– common at lowland forest
#
update 202401
– a boring morning at National Park, which can be due to rain but after lunch session become more interesting included this bird come quite ok angle for picture
– 可能是雨季尾声，鸟况还是不是很好。下午竟然还不错。横斑翠鸟, 凤冠火背鹇等。
20240126, Taman Negara, Pahang, Malaysia
####
update 202104
– I am in progress testing the Canon EF lens on Fujifilm Camere with a Fringer adapter. so I spend few days at the forest edge waiting for any birds that flying past and trying to use this setup to capture any pictures
– this lovely male with a grey head, orange neck, maroon wing
– 这几天我在森林周边的开阔地方。试佳能镜头，富士机身, Fringer EF-FX pro 。任何鸟飞过我都 试试看看可以用区域对焦+追焦。
– 公鸟，灰头，橙颈。
202103, Gunung Nuang, Selangor, Malaysia
#
Little Green-Pigeon, 小綠鳩, Treron olax, チビアオバト, Punai Siul
– very common green pigeon, male with grey head, pink neck, orange breast .. female is green
– found near urban , mangrove area
update 202402
– a very common & beautiful bird here, male show lovely colors and female mostly green. Normally male will “display” to attract female but this pair seem different the female trying to attract attention of the handsome male
– – male with orange-red head, female overall green. Both with red-and-white bill
– rare in Peninsular Malaysia, sight only South West, common in few locations North-East Borneo
update 202407
– our first morning here and no main target sight, but one of the good bird we have … this lovely green pigeon.stay high up but it is really good to see them.
– 我们的第一个早上，目标鸟没叫可是看到这鸟也是够兴奋。虽然不是客人新鸟种。
202407, Lenggor, Johor, Malaysia
#####
update 202307
– another raining afternoon, make a decision not go far but surprise to have this bird call and very soon locate it just above us
11. Thick-billed Green-Pigeon, 厚嘴绿鸠, 厚嘴綠鳩, Treron curvirostra, ハシブトアオバト, PUNAI ARA BIASA
– another beautiful green pigeon with a “green” eye ring
– male with maroon+yellow wing, female with almost full greenish
– quite common at lowland to sub-montane
#
update 202508
This is one of the most common green pigeons in the region—medium-sized and easily recognized by its thick, pale green eye-ring.
With a fruiting tree nearby, spotting them wasn’t too hard. Although we hoped for more species, we’re glad our guests got to tick off two of their targets here!
– a medium-size common, beautiful green pigeon. male with maroon wing
– I am in progress testing the Canon EF lens on Fujifilm Camere with a Fringer adapter. so I spend few days at the forest edge waiting for any birds that flying past and trying to use this setup to capture any pictures
– this bird seems near me and I managed to capture a series of them flying toward me. will create another sharing regard to this setup.
– 非常漂亮的绿鸠
– 这几天我在森林周边的开阔地方。试佳能镜头，富士机身, Fringer EF-FX pro 。任何鸟飞过我都 试试看看可以用区域对焦+追焦。
202103, Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia
#
Thick-billed Green-Pigeon, 厚嘴綠鳩, Treron curvirostra, ハシブトアオバト, Punai Daun (male)
Thick-billed Green-Pigeon, 厚嘴綠鳩, Treron curvirostra, ハシブトアオバト, Punai Daun (female)
12. Large Green-Pigeon, 大绿鸠, 大綠鳩, Treron capellei, オオアオバト, PUNAI BAKUK
– sign Taman Negara Kuala Tahan, Belum
Large Green-Pigeon, 大綠鳩, Treron capellei, オオアオバト, Punai
13. Yellow-vented Green-Pigeon, 白腹针尾绿鸠, 白腹針尾綠鳩, Treron seimundi, シロハラハリオアオバト, PUNAI GUNUNG BAHU MERAH
– big green pigeon wont miss it’s blue eye-ring connect to bill, long needle-pointed tail, yellow vent
– rare and shy big green pigeon
– normally sight sub-montane
update 202305
– after back from Sulawesi-Halmahera, really missed all the pigeons, dove songs. Here Malaysia do not have so many of them. This species is one of my favorite. This male stand there for long, need patient to see its’ small movement.
– another lucky day for guests, with minimum walking, Large Wren-babbler again and much better view, Black Magpie, and this beautiful pigeon with amazing view.
– 幸运的客人，行动不是很方便。可是也看到拍到大鹪鹛，白翅鹊与这只害羞+稀有的鸠。
20230408, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, Malaysia
update 2020 Aug
Yellow-vented Green-Pigeon,白腹针尾绿鸠, 白腹針尾綠鳩, Treron seimundi, シロハラハリオアオバト, Burung Punai Ekor Panjang, PUNAI GUNUNG BAHU MERAH
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Yellow-vented Green-Pigeon, 白腹針尾綠鳩, Treron seimundi, シロハラハリオアオバト, Burung Punai Ekor Panjang
14. Wedge-tailed Green-Pigeon, 楔尾绿鸠, 楔尾綠鳩, Treron sphenurus, オナガアオバト, PUNAI BUKIT BARAT
-making very interesting call
– both male and female mostly greenish, male with extra maroon upper wing
– rare montane species
Wedge-tailed Green-Pigeon, 楔尾綠鳩, Treron sphenurus, オナガアオバト, Burung Punai Bukit
– what you want is what other want ? for sure NOPE .. for the first time in Fraser with guests we not going for most of the targets but just concentrate few for photo (they are first time birding-Photography in Malaysia) .. but always patient pay off
– the moment it came so close <10feet, it is so beautiful to look it close … definite best 2024 moment …
– 还在沉迷在哪一刻，这漂亮的鸠就站在我们10尺内。很漂亮哦。这肯定是2024最美好的其中一刻。
202402, Fraser Hill, Pahang, Malaysia
#####
– we spent ours “rest hours” at “tower instead shower” reward with many good birds and pictures .. this is one of them <10 feet with such a beautiful and rare bird
– one of the most beautiful bird of Malaysia. this lovely dove only easy to spot when fruiting tree.
– another reason prefer R3 than R7. The 4k 100fps slow motion with 4k quality
– a common lowland beautiful small colorful dove at Sulawesi
– male with obvious white head, yellow, purple vented. Female overall green
– 苏拉威西蛮普通的果鸠
– 公鸟，头部白，颈黄。臀部黄紫。母鸟全身绿
update 202512
#####
What a delightful evening—two stunning and tiny fruit-doves perched low and nearby, giving us fantastic photo opportunities. We even attempted a few bird-in-flight shots. Though not endemic, these birds truly charmed everyone, and we ended up spending about 1.5 hours enjoying their presence.
This special moment, Photographers using nearly all camera brands were there to capture the moment, but not everyone managed to get that perfect shot.
What a wonderful evening—two beautiful and tiny fruit-doves perched low and close, giving us a great opportunity to enjoy and photograph them. We even tried for some bird-in-flight shots. Though not endemic, everyone was delighted to spend around 1.5 hours with these charming birds.
What an amazing start to our time at Tangkoko—almost all our targets were seen and photographed in just one morning! In the evening, we aimed for some special species, and this bird turned out to be very active, giving us great chances to capture some bird-in-flight shots. A lucky moment once again, made even better thanks to the superb tracking performance of the Canon R5 Mark II.
：
我们在Tangkoko有个非常棒的开始——几乎所有目标鸟/动物种在一个早上就拍到了！
傍晚我们尝试寻找一些特别的鸟类，结果这只鸟非常活跃，不断飞来飞去，给了我们拍摄飞行照的好机会。
又是一次幸运的时刻，多亏了Canon R5 Mark II出色的追焦能力！
Tangkoko, Sulawesi, Indonesia
#####
update 202401
– another bird keep calling us while we looking for ours target, but I still really to see and photograph the fruit-dove which is so beautiful .. and share this because some one lazy move got the white background instead .. move move move .. choose choose choose
52. Superb Fruit-Dove, 华丽果鸠, 壯麗果鳩, Ptilinopus superbus, クロオビヒメアオバト, Walik Raja
– one of the most beautiful bird, it can be found in Sulawesi Sub-montane area
– maybe been poach over the years, most of the time high up
– 算是我看或最漂亮的鳥。
– 通常都站高，害羞。
update 202505
Our 10-day birding trip to North Sulawesi and Halmahera ended on a high note with this incredible bird. It took us nearly the whole morning to find it, but in the end, it rewarded us with a great view.
A distinctive large, spectacularly-marked pigeon. Green with a conspicuous pale gray head, a red eye-ring around a beady yellow eye, a dark neck and chest, a bold white belly, a chestnut base to the undertail, and a broad white band in the otherwise dark tail. Shows subtle bronze tones in some parts of the plumage, such as the nape. Singles, pairs, and small groups inhabit the upper levels of forests and forest edges, mostly in the hills and mountains, less often lower down. Gives a very deep, two-noted call, descending on the second note: “woop-mooo.” Also gives single “woop” notes. [Ebird]
– a very surprise to have eye level of Sulawesi Myna, Sulawesi Hawk Eagle follow by this always hidden bird. and it stay so long for us to have front, side, back view.
A large fruit-dove from Sulawesi. Very pale gray head has a diagnostic red mask that extends onto the nape as a black band. Juveniles duller, with subdued mask, and lack band on nape. Upperparts green in central and north Sulawesi, gray in the south. Underparts largely pale gray, with dark markings on the undertail. A montane species found in singles and pairs within the understory and canopy. Voice is a short, clipped “whoOP,” often becoming slightly louder at the end. [ebird]
update 202310
– a shy and quite big size of fruit-dove. Glad to find a small open window for everyone to have some good view and “open picture”
– a very beautiful fruit-dove as usual, with overall white and red on back-head
– 有如其他果鸠，都漂亮。这只，很白头背带红。
update 202401
– we actually stop for other bird, and heard this bird calling and very soon Esli found one super high up but still make me shoot >10 frames for such a lovely bird. But after 30minutes waiting and checking. Actually Denny found one just so close and eye level … wow wow wow amazing beautiful spot and bird
– 我们其实在这拍翠鸟，突然这鸟叫的很近。我们从20-30米高追到同角度。漂亮！
20240119 – Langgaliru, Sumba, Indonesia
59. Nicobar Pigeon, 尼柯巴鸠, 尼柯巴鳩, Caloenas nicobarica, ミノバト, MERPATI-EMAS BIASA
update 202507
While we were waiting for the pitta to come down—yes, it had been staying up in the treetops all day—we got a surprise visitor! Out of nowhere, this bird walked into view and gave us a chance for a record shot.
Small and stunning—another beautiful fruit-dove!
In all my previous visits, we only had brief glimpses, often high up and far away. But this time, it came down low and stayed with us for a good while. What a treat!
61. Green Imperial-Pigeon (Rufous-naped), 绿皇鸠, 綠皇鳩, Ducula aenea paulina, ミカドバト, Burung Pergam Hijau
update 202511
It’s a very common species here, though it looks quite different from the ones we see in Malaysia. Usually, it stays high and far, but this time we were lucky—it perched at a reasonable distance, at eye level, and under beautiful lighting. A truly lovely bird!
This bird can be heard calling everywhere, but getting a clear view is always a bit of a challenge. Thankfully, we were lucky—one showed up in the open, allowing us to get some great shots. Moments like this remind me that bird photography is still very rewarding.
101. Sri Lanka Wood-Pigeon, 紫头林鸽, 紫头林鸽, Columba torringtoniae, セイロンカノコモリバト
Large, plain gray pigeon with conspicuous black-and-white stripes on the nape. Underparts flushed mauve. Inhabits upper levels of forests and densely wooded areas in the hills and mountains, where occurs in pairs or small flocks. Combination of black-and-white neck markings and plain, unmarked, dark gray upperparts identifies this species from all other pigeons on Sri Lanka. Vocalizations include a single, deep “wooo”, and also an owl-like, double note “woo-oo”. [EBird]
update 20240115
– the only day we at Horton Plains NP, rain in the whole morning. We almost this endemic but found it very last moment while we leaving and we had ours late lunch because of this bird
After 18 unforgettable days in Kenya, I’m finally back in Malaysia. This birding trip truly opened my eyes—aside from Sri Lanka, Kenya has become one of my favorite places. Even without any feeding stations, birds were easy to find and photograph. On just Day 1, we photographed 98 species! By the end of the tour, the group had recorded 414 species—and I got about 10 more during solo walks in free time. I’ll definitely return, though 2026/2027 is already fully booked… and I’m too tired to think about 2028 now. Time to relax. More photos coming soon!
It’s not a lifer, but this time we had several close encounters with this seemingly common bird. The two distinct spots on its wings stood out beautifully, especially when the light hit just right. Moments like this remind us how stunning even familiar species can be.
Malkohas are large birds in the cuckoo family Cuculidae, all in the genusPhaenicophaeus. The group name is derived from the Sinhala word for the Red-faced Malkoha; Mal-Koha meaning flower-cuckoo. These are all Asian tropical species. The genus name is derived from the Ancient Greekphoiniko- “crimson”, and phaes “eyes” or “face”,[1] referring to the Red-faced Malkoha. However, the ‘œ’ was mistranscribed as ‘æ’
a lovely bird that bird in size and normally with beautiful colors …………… and its loves to hide behind all the leaf .. make it not easy to get expose the shot
1. Raffles’s Malkoha, 棕胸地鹃, 棕胸地鵑, Rhinortha chlorophaea, クリイロバンケンモドキ, CENUK KERAK
2. Red-billed Malkoha, 红嘴地鹃, 紅嘴地鵑, Zanclostomus javanicus, アカハシバンケンモドキ, CENUK API
We spent our morning at the canopy, enjoying many great views of different birds. One was especially memorable—at eye level, feeding slowly instead of just flying past. A lovely Malkoha.
– another common lowland Malkoha with an obvious chestnut breast
#
update 202406
– after ours’ morning mega Pheasant and we waiting at fruiting tree for some good bird .. (we got Black-and-White Bulbul and Chestnut-capped Thrush) this bird came nearby to feed on caterpillar
a not so common Sri Lanka endemic, we only saw or heard it at Sinharaja … and it is moving along with bird wave. Same other Malkoha moving fast along the bushes
– a tough walk (it follow by very heavy rain after we saw this bird at only split second) .. wet, leeches …. and may be time planning for the location
even just split second, the CANON R3 just as I always say “focus monster” i point my lens toward the bird, it lock focus the bird and eye than got this.. no secret.. just the camera found it and take it…
A fairly common coucal found in South Africa, which I’ve seen and photographed multiple times in various locations. However, this was a closer encounter, and I managed to capture a full series of flight shots. The distinctive tail band markings are clearly visible, making it easy to differentiate this species from others.
201. Yellow-billed Malkoha, 苏拉黄嘴地鹃, 蘇拉黃嘴地鵑, Rhamphococcyx calyorhynchus, セレベスバンケンモドキ, Kadalan Sulawesi
A large, thick-billed malkoha, endemic to Sulawesi, where the only Malkoha. Rufous top half and dark bottom half give it the appearance of having been dipped in black paint, which together with long tail and thick red and yellow bill give it an unmistakeable appearance. Found in wooded habitats from the lowlands to the mountains. Follows macaques catching flushed insects. Call, a very distinctive series of sharp, grating notes, that rise, then fall, whilst accelerating and fading at the end. [Ebird]
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Blue pitta, 藍八色鶇,Hydrornis cyaneus
